Truck Parts & Service 0817

Power Heavy Duty Adds Two Locations | WABCO Earns Reman Award

A bountiful harvest THE SALES POTENTIAL OF THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY IN THE AFTERMARKET

AUGUST 2017 |

WWW.TRUCKPARTSANDSERVICE.COM

Developing dealer relationships 22

Volume 53 | Number 8 | August 2017

www.truckpartsandservice.com

Cover Story

@TPSMagazine /truckpartsandservice Truck Parts & Service

Editorial

Editor: Lucas Deal Equipment Editor: Jason Cannon Associate Online Editor: Jonathan Willis editorial@truckpartsandservice.com

Design & Production

Art Director: Richard Street Advertising Production Manager: Kim Knight production@truckpartsandservice.com

Succeeding with agricultural customers

Trucking Media

Vice President of Sales, Trucking Media: Brad Holthaus sales@truckingmedia.com

16

Corporate

Chairman: Mike Reilly President/CEO: Brent Reilly Chief Operating Officer: Shane Elmore Chief Financial Officer: Russell McEwen Senior Vice President, Sales: Scott Miller Senior Vice President, Editorial and Research: Linda Longton Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Business Development: Robert Lake Vice President, Events: Stacy McCants Vice President, Audience Development: Prescott Shibles Vice President, Digital Services: Nick Reid Vice President, Marketing: Julie Arsenault

3200 Rice Mine Rd NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 800-633-5953 randallreilly.com All advertisers for Truck Parts & Service are accepted and published

by Randall-Reilly, LLC. on the representation that the advertiser and/ or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Randall-Reilly, LLC. harmless from and against any loss, expenses or any other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel violations of right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. RandallReilly, LLC. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee regarding the quality of goods and services advertised herein.

Features 14 DOTY profile: Action Truck Parts 22 Developing dealer relationships

Departments 1 2 6 13

Editorial Staff Editorials Industry Focus Tech Updates

26 31 32 32

Marketplace Classified Ads Product Spotlight Advertisers’ Index

ONLINE RESOURCES Visit us online to browse the latest industry news and products, the Buyers’ Guide and industry white papers and technical data at

WWW.TRUCKPARTSANDSERVICE.COM Truck Parts & Service (ISSN 0895-3856) is published monthly by Randall-Reilly, LLC, 3200 Rice Mine Road N.E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Periodicals postage paid at Tuscaloosa, AL and additional offices. Subscriptions: $50 for one year, outside USA add $10.

For change of address and other subscription inquiries, please contact: truckparts&service@halldata.com. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Truck Parts & Service 3200 Rice Mine Road N.E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35406.

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

1

Editorial | Lucas Deal

Relationship building

By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com

J

onathan has an interesting article in this issue. It’s a topic I’ve wondered about for a long time: How do you develop relationships with your local dealers?

I mean, you must have some, right?

With the interconnectivity of today’s trucks and growing number of OEMcaptive systems found within them, there must be a subsection of your customer base asking for parts you don’t (and can’t) easily keep on hand. I’m thinking sensors, engine components, truck body parts, etc. The kind of orders where you can fulfill some but not the entirety of an order request in house, which means unless you’re sending customers away—and we both know you’re not—somebody from your facility is hustling down the street to the nearby dealer to satisfy a customer’s need.

How do you make that work?

I’ve talked with distributors about this before and it seems like dealers respond to ‘distributors as customers’ scenarios one of three ways: ■ They don’t do anything. You’re another customer to them. They help you as best as they can but there’s no special, preferential or unique treatment.

■ They’re standoffish. You’re trying to buy something from them to sell to a customer they could service. It’s not illogical they might balk at the idea.

■ They understand the what and why of the scenario and a partnership

2

flourishes. It’s not a Ben & Jerry’s kind of partnership, but it doesn’t have to be.

I guess the first one isn’t so bad, considering, but from the conversations I’ve had and what Jonathan learned for his article on page 22, that third option is far and away the best solution for distributors and customers alike.

It’s not a Ben & Jerry’s kind of partnership, but it doesn’t have to be.

So, how do you do it? How do you approach them and cultivate a relationship that will allow you to regularly purchase from them without creating any hostility, jealously or resentment? How do you serve someone who could be a dealer’s customer with a dealer’s parts and still have a relationship with that dealer?

One thing Jonathan briefly touches on that I think is important is where those customers fit in that dealer’s world. If you’re a dealer regularly doing business with the Swifts, XPOs and Old Dominions of the world, it’s an

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

unfortunate reality that owner-operators and smaller fleets may occasionally slip through the cracks. It’s borderline impossible to serve everyone, and for dealers holding lucrative contracts with national carriers, it logical that those carriers would be their priority.

The aftermarket thrives by serving everyone else, and well. I think that’s a selling point for a distributor when working to bond with a dealer. They know they can’t focus on those customers. They don’t have the time or the resources.

You do.

You’re already serving these customers. You’re stocking and selling them every part you can. You’re maintaining their trucks, inspecting their equipment.

In those rare instances where you can’t help them—when the part is OEM exclusive and an alternative just doesn’t exist—you can gather each customers’ individual needs and order them together. You can become a customer big and consistent enough to register with your dealer.

That’s a selling point. You may only need one part today and tomorrow, but next week you might need 40 or more.

You may have instances where you’re running to their location a few times a day. At a certain point, you become less a competitor and more like a partner.

And while you may never have your own co-branded ice cream, that’s a partnership that should be lucrative for both sides.

It won’t tell you there’s zero maintenance costs because it’s so quiet.

The RCV250 fan drive not only boasts a superior design, it comes equipped with parts that are built to last a lifetime. Meaning you don’t have to dig into your pocket to spend money on routine maintenance, keeping your trucks on the road. And to top it off, the fully variable drive reduces noise for improved cab comfort. Which means you keep drivers in the driver’s seat. ©2017 Horton Inc. All rights reserved.

hortonww.com | 800-621-1320

Editorial | MacKay & Company

Beast of Burden

By John Blodgett MacKay & Company

I

like when people get creative with vehicles, cutting and welding to make unique mobile machines.

One of the side pleasures of working in the trucking industry is occasionally seeing vehicles that people have built—typically for no other reason than just for fun. This would include vehicles like Class 8 pickup trucks, tractors with three bedrooms/two bath sleepers, monster trucks that climb over anything, but also Freightliner’s Evolution Truck (certainly not just for fun).

Last month I decided to work from our family cottage on Cayuga Lake in N.Y. and one night while there I headed down to the village of Aurora for dinner.

On the way, I saw a large house boat in front of an automotive repair garage. I had seen it before (kind of hard to miss at 32 ft. long) and wondered what they were doing to it.

This time, I noticed some big farm vehicle tires resting against the side of the house boat, which intrigued me even more. I also noticed that the tires were not just resting against the side of the house boat, they were being mounted on the front of the boat. Also, on the back of the boat there was a third tire mounted with a bracket that pivoted to steer this massive vehicle.

I inquired about this vehicle to a man who was welding in the hull of the boat.

This man, Theon Parseghian (owner

of Theonomics), is the mad scientist behind this planned amphibious houseboat called Beast of Burden. This young man creates all sorts of unique vehicles in his spare time. If you are from this area you may have seen his picnic table boat with a beer keg fuel tank or his amphibious Volvo station wagon or his Ford Fiesta with the Camaro engine that did incredible front wheel burn outs.

Often we hear that young people don’t want to work

on trucks.

Quite often we hear that young people don’t want to work on trucks or off-highway equipment — that they don’t want to get dirty. Theon seems to relish this type of fun (I don’t think he considers it work).

The current project is another “you gotta have fun” project for Theon. He bought the boat with plans to scrap it after he figured out there was too much rust in the hull, but then at some point he decided it would make an incredible

amphibious boat. (He lives 500 ft. from the lake so why not?)

Beast of Burden had to have the entire interior removed, and most of the hull.

Theon then bought an old three-wheel Big A sprayer. The sprayer provided the engine (CAT 3208), transmission (Allison Automatic), tires, and axle (some wheel-end extenders had to be added) needed to get power to the road. With some additional parts from the salvage yard, the boat/truck was redesigned to fit these new additions. Some old frame rails from a bus are used to hold the driveline in place. To have the boat move on water, a new dual prop system was put in with the help of a couple bush hog mowers donating some parts.

He is getting close to a launching. He needs to finish up some odds and ends and wants to sand blast and paint Beast of Burden, but he is hopeful that in a few weeks she will be in the water. There are some concerns as to how it will work in the water, although Theon is fairly confident that it won’t sink.

Theon’s ulitimate goal would be to traverse across the middle of each of the five main finger lakes. If you want to get a better visual on this beast and others Theon has created, search for Theonomics on YouTube, hopefully there will soon be a successful Beast of Burden launch video. I can’t wait to see what he builds next.

John Blodgett has worked for MacKay & Company for more than 20 years and is currently vice president of sales and marketing, responsible for client contact for single and multi-client projects. He can be reached at john.blodgett@mackayco.com.

4

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

Industry Focus

Dealer News Central Valley Truck Center has been renamed Affinity Truck Center.

JX Enterprises has added TRP Chicago to its network.

Truck Country, in partnership with Freightliner Trucks, has secured a contract with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to supply the US Government with Class 5-8 trucks.

Summit Truck Group and Wabash National Corporation have announced an agreement in which Summit Truck Group will provide sales, parts, and service for Wabash National dry and refrigerated van trailers and truck bodies, as well as Transcraft and Benson

Bendix Creates Apprentice Program Near Mexico Facility Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC, and its Mexican nonprofit organization – the Bendix Foundation – have developed a plan to enhance the facilities, infrastructure, and curriculum of a local technical vocational school, Colegio de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos del Estado de Coahuila (CECyTEC), near its facility in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico.

Bendix says the plan, developed in conjunction with CECyTEC, consists of two concurrent initiatives. In one of them, Bendix and the Bendix Foundation will build and equip within the school campus a new industrial production laboratory, open to all students. In the other effort, Bendix will provide a dual education apprenticeship opportunity for select CECyTEC students, who will receive practical training at Bendix’s Acuña campus.

6

Rush Truck Center recently held an open house at its new 83,000 sq.-ft. Denver facility.

platform trailers in select areas of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Worldwide Equipment has opened a full-service “all-makes” service and parts facility in Morristown, Tenn.

Burr Truck of Vestal, N.Y., is commemorating its 50th anniversary as a Volvo Trucks dealership.

Valley Truck Centers has purchased Freightliner of Toledo and Great Lakes Western Star in Monroe, Mich.

TransChicago Truck Group recently held an open house at its Gary, Ind., location.

CIT Trucks Rockford has won the Mack Masters Championship.

HDA Truck Pride Adds Battery Program HDA Truck Pride has unveiled a comprehensive battery program in conjunction East Penn Manufacturing.

The program is comprised of a full battery selection, led by the AGM and Fahrenheit AGM Group 31 batteries, which East Penn says offer maintenancefree design and more power-per-pound for commercial trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty equipment.

“This program dovetails directly into our current offering, allowing our membership to take excellent care of their customers with powerful and reliable batteries engineered for durability while meeting high power ratings for heavyduty engines,” says Tom Tecklenburg, HDA Truck Pride chief commercial officer.

Successful Dealer Names Top Dealers For 2017 Two past finalists and three newcomers have earned nominations for the 2017 Successful Dealer Award, sponsored by Automann and Premium 2000.

Earning its first nomination this year is Four Star Freightliner, Inland Kenworth and Peach State Truck Centers. The other finalists are CIT Trucks, which was a finalist in 2014, and 2015 finalist Doggett Freightliner.

More than 30 dealers earned at least one nomination during the open nomination period for this year’s award, including two previous winners and several finalists.

The Successful Dealer Award will be presented Aug. 24, 2017, at the Great American Truck Show in Dallas.

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

NOx SENSORS EXCLUSIVE AFTERMARKET COVERAGE • Coverage for today’s most popular NOx sensors • Built with aluminum housing and heat sleeve to protect sensors during regen • Anti-seize coating pre-applied to improve system serviceability

904-6003 Inlet Sensor

Blue Bird 2012-10, Freightliner 2012-10, Sterling 2010

904-6004

AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEM

Outlet Sensor Fits various Blue Bird, Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, and Western Star

ALSO AVAILABLE:

904-6029:

904-6030:

674-2000:

674-2001:

NOx Sensor (Outlet)

NOx Sensor (Inlet)

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

Dodge Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 2016-13

Dodge Ram 2500 2016-14, Ram 3500 2016-15, Ram 4500/5500 2016

Fits various Blue Bird, Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, and Western Star

Mack 2009-07

Contact your Dorman Heavy Duty Distributor today!

DormanHDSolutions.com

Industry Focus

Decisiv Expanding Market Presence

WABCO Earns Global Reman Award WABCO Reman Solutions, a business unit of WABCO Holdings, has earned ReMaTec’s Remanufacturer of the Year 2017 award.

Founded in 2010, WABCO Reman Solutions performs remanufacturing in the automotive, commercial vehicle and related industries.

“It’s a tremendous honor for WABCO Reman Solutions to receive ReMaTec’s Remanufacturer of the Year 2017 award, reflecting our leadership in the global remanufacturing industry,” says Dr. Salvador Munoz Zarate, Product Line Leader at WABCO Reman Solutions. “Remanufacturing, through its adherence to world-class quality standards, has now fully-emerged as a credible, cost-efficient alternative to new replacement parts in the automotive and commercial vehicle industries.”

Established in 2005, ReMaTec says the Remanufacturer of the Year award represents the most prestigious in the global remanufacturing industry.

Decisiv is expanding the application of its Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution to a range of heavy equipment and industrial markets.

“Our unique service management software platform is delivering real and sustainable value to our customers by improving asset utilization and reducing life cycle service costs,” says Dick Hyatt, president and CEO of Decisiv. “We are now committing to provide that same service event management capability to heavy equipment and industrial markets, including the construction, agriculture, marine, and power generation industries.”

Inland Truck Parts Purchases Louisiana Facility Inland Truck Parts & Service is expanding its reach into Louisiana through its recent acquisition of Consolidated Truck Parts and Service of Shreveport.

“This acquisition will allow us to better serve the east Texas market that includes Tyler and Longview, plus allows us entry into the Northwest Louisiana market area. Consolidated will retain ownership of its Monroe, Alexandria, and Many locations,” says Greg Klein, CEO at Inland Truck Parts.

People In The News Michael Loch has been appointed to the new position of vice president of Supply Chain Management at Palfinger in Business Area North America.

Navistar International has Loch promoted Michael A. Cancelliere to president, Truck and Parts, replacing William R. Kozek, who will assume a strategic planning role focused on emerging industry opportunities.

Navistar also announced Bernardo Valenzuela is returning to the company as vice president of Export, and president of Mexico and Global Operations.

Cheri Lantz has joined Meritor as vice president and chief strategy officer.

Sean Ryan has been promoted to president and treasurer at Point Spring & Driveshaft.

8

Double Coin and CMA has added Tim Phillips as vice president, Marketing and Operations.

Bob Montgomery has joined Fleet Engineers as vice president of sales and Montgomery marketing.

Rick Alonzo has joined Yokohama Tire Corporation as senior director of supply chain and logistics.

KEA Advisors has added Roy Lampsa and Bob Ichniowski to its team of professional advisors.

HDA Truck Pride and Northwood University announce Anthony R. Lewis as the 2017-18 recipient of the Heavy Duty America Fund Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

Karen Quintos, executive vice president and chief customer officer at Dell Technologies, and Rich Freeland, president and COO at Cummins, have joined Cummins’ board of directors.

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

VIPAR Heavy Duty has promoted Deval Joshi to director of program management.

Accuride has appointed Chad Monroe to senior vice president, Sales and Joshi Marketing and Business Development. The company also has promoted Dan McGivney to vice president, OEM Sales, Truck; Neil McIrvin to vice president, OEM Sales, Trailer and Municipal; Mike Palladino to director, Sales, Eastern region; John Mays to director, Sales, Central region; Dick Unrath to director, Passenger Car and Other OEM Sales; Jim McManus to national sales director, MMC Technology and Military; Jayne Orr to director, Product Management, Wheels.

Barbara Coleman, formerly a member of the KIC sales team, also has been promoted to director, National Accounts and Buying Groups.

Industry Focus

Power Heavy Duty Grows In Southeast Power Heavy Duty has added One Stop Truck and Trailer Parts and Childersburg Truck Service as its newest members.

One Stop is in Homestead, Fla., Childersburg is found in Childersburg, Ala. Power Heavy Duty General Manager Mark Iasiello says One Stop provides the group with a strategic location in an underserved area south of Miami.

“One Stop Truck and Trailer Parts is an important location because it is the last truck parts store going south to the Florida Keys and the first stop heading north,” he says.

Additionally, Iasiello says “from their strategic location in central Alabama,

Childersburg Truck Service carries a wide variety of products from leading manufacturers to help customers with all their truck repair and maintenance needs.”

See how you can find hidden suspension repairs www.hunter.com/tps

Marx Group Relocates In Detroit Metro Marx Group has relocated and expanded its Detroit-area office to meet the needs of a growing client base and account team.

The Detroit-based team relocated from Birmingham, Mich., to Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and will operate the space jointly with its affiliate, public relations firm Near Perfect Media. The new 2,800-sq.-ft. office doubles the previous space in Birmingham.

“This new location gives us the space we need to operate right now, allows for future growth opportunities, and puts us in a location that’s geographically central to many of our Detroit-area clients,” says Frank Buscemi, president, CEO and creative director.

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

Untitled-44 1

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

9

7/24/17 10:39 AM

Industry Focus

Minimizer Finalists For Regional Award Minnesota Business magazine has named Minimizer a finalist for its Manufacturing Award for the second consecutive year. One of three companies up for the title of Best in Class – Mid-size, Minnesota Business says its Manufacturing Awards recognize the manufacturing sector for outstanding achievements.

“It’s a huge honor for Minimizer to be mentioned in the same breath as so many other great companies,” says Craig Kruckeberg, Minimizer CEO and chief visionary.

“It’s a testament to the people we have in place,” adds Vice President of Operations Jim Richards. “Everyone works hard and contributes to the team. It really is like a family around here.”

Winners in each category will be announced at an awards event Sept. 28, 2017, the magazine says.

FleetPride Adds Virginia, Texas Locations FleetPride has opened new facilities in Mount Crawford, Va., and Houston. The Virginia location is the company’s seventh in the state, while FleetPride now has 26 facilities in Texas.

“The addition of Mount Crawford to the FleetPride footprint represents our commitment to growth,” says Jason Price, FleetPride senior vice president of operations. “Adding a second FleetPride location in Houston represents our dedication to growing and supporting our business.”

Karmak Enhances Inventory Management Systems

Midwest Truck & Auto Parts Acquires Engine Component Manufacturer

Karmak has integrated its Fusion product with Modula, a highquality storage and retrieval solution designed to optimize space and improve warehouse management.

Karmak says the integration to the Modula WMS software will provide an exchange of accurate and continuous information between the two systems.

Karmak says customers will now get their parts faster as the Modula Lift System provides centralized, secure storage of parts.

Karmak says Modula VLM units can store as much inventory as up to 80 bays of static shelving. Dealers and distributors can recover as much as 90 percent of valuable floor space currently allocated to parts storage and increase their revenue by adding additional service bays or stocking more inventory, the company adds.

Midwest Truck & Auto Parts, Inc., has acquired Global Diesel Parts (GDP), a manufacturer of heavy-duty truck engine components.

The acquisition allows Midwest to expand its overall product offering, as GDP will continue to produce high-quality engine components, and the GDP brand name will be used in conjunction with Midwest’s World American brand to represent their expanded heavy-duty truck engine product line.

“This is an exciting time for our customers,” says Mark Chudacoff, president of Midwest Truck & Auto Parts. “The timing of this strategic purchase of GDP is perfect, as we continue to expand our heavy-duty product lines and distribution network.”

Truck Parts & Service Calendar Event information can be submitted at: www.truckpartsandservice.com/story-ideas/

Aug. 24-26 Great American Trucking Show, Dallas Sept. 9-13 CVSN Aftermarket Distribution Summit, Amelia Island, Fla. Sept. 16-21 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Fall Meeting, Orlando

10

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

Are You Ready

for the New Standard?

With more stringent stopping distance regulations, air disc brakes are quickly becoming the new standard braking system for North American commercial vehicles.

Let Dayton PartsÂŽ help you meet the rise in demand.

Our all-makes portfolio covers all major North American OE air disc brake products to meet your aftermarket requirements. From calipers to rotors to disc pads, component kits and more, be ready with air disc brake solutions from Dayton Parts. Visit daytonparts.com or call us at 800-233-0899.

ÂŽ

www.daytonparts.com

Tech Updates

SAFETY RECALLS The following are safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Daimler Trucks North America is recalling certain 2015-2017 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108SD, and 114SD vehicles. The affected vehicles might not have a required check valve installed in one of the ports of the spring brake modulation valve. Without the valve, the primary air system is not isolated from the secondary air system. A rapid loss of air pressure in the secondary system could cause a similar rapid loss of pressure in the primary system, which may lead to a sudden application of the parking brakes.

This could increase the risk of a crash.

Entegra Coach is recalling certain 2018 Cornerstone motorhomes equipped with Cummins ISX 15L engines. These engines have a fuel pump whose drive gear could possibly slip on its drive shaft, causing a fuel pump function loss, resulting in an engine stall. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer.

These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision.

As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, “Door Locks and Door Retention Components.” If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Forest River is recalling certain 2017 Rockwood travel trailers,

models RLF8301WS and RLF8301WS-W. The affected vehicles have a Federal Placard with an incorrect ninth place check digit printed on the VIN label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” The incorrect Check Digit will hinder the registration of the vehicle, which can lead to improper licensing and the failure to properly account for the vehicle in the event of a safety recall.

Paccar is recalling certain 2017-2018 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, and 2018 Kenworth C500, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with Cummins ISX 15L engines. These engines have a fuel pump whose drive gear could possibly slip on its drive shaft, causing a fuel pump function loss, resulting in an engine stall. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Spartan Motors USA is recalling certain 2017-2018 K3 and K4 motor home chassis and Gladiator emergency response chassis cabs equipped with Cummins ISX 15L engines. These engines have a fuel pump whose drive gear could possibly slip on its drive shaft, causing a fuel pump function loss, resulting in an engine stall. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Transportation Collaborative is recalling certain 2012-2017 Transtech Bus ST Aero, SST, CST, Horizon, and RoadStar transit buses equipped with Bus-Air air conditioning systems. These air conditioning systems use a 30AMP in-line fuse that may short against the screw that secures the fuse holder. If the fuse short circuits, the holder may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

Untitled-41 1

Introducing LIQUID WRENCH® Pro Penetrant & Lubricant powered by FlashSight™ Technology. The latest innovation from LIQUID WRENCH breaks through the toughest rust, grease and corrosion by combining the utility of a built-in LED light with the power of a new fast-acting, pro-grade formula. Now rust has nowhere to hide.

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT

LIQUIDWRENCH.COM

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

13 7/24/17

9:08 A

By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com

Action Truck Parts

A

ction Truck Parts has its eyes on expansion. And Vice President Nick Seidel believes the company is in the perfect place to do it.

The back-to-back Truck Parts & Service Distributor of the Year finalist doubled its footprint for the first time last summer when it acquired Darryl Dupre Truck Parts, and in the months since, Action has already moved the suburban Chicagoland facility into a larger, better equipped building to strengthen its inventory and service capabilities.

Seidel is thrilled with customer response to the new location, and along with the company’s nearby Bolingbrook, Ill., headquarters, he says Action Truck Parts is beginning to make its mark in Chicago’s southwestern suburbs.

The only question now is where to go next?

In a market heavy on dealers, Seidel believes Chicagoland is an area ripe for a strong, customer experience-focused distributor.

“Growth is important to me because I have this voice in my head telling me we can always do more,” he says. “There’s an opportunity for a place like us [to expand] with the customers we’re serving.”

Seidel points to a growing, improving employee base as a major reason for such optimism. In adding a second location Action Truck Parts also added a handful of experienced yet youthful aftermarket pros, allowing it to enhance its product and industry knowledge and remain built for many years of

Action Truck Parts at a glance

Source: Google Maps, Action Truck Parts

14

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

Action Truck Parts’ newest location in Rockdale, Ill., has expanded the company’s retailing abilities and added key services such as driveshaft and PTO rebuilding and repair.

team success.

With more growth on his to-do list, Seidel says he likes the idea of having a team he can rely on for years to come.

“Now that they know what we went through on the first [acquisition], they’ll know what to do for the next one and the next one,” he says.

Last year’s acquisition also strengthened the company’s service portfolio, adding full-service driveshaft repair and PTO repair and rebuilding to an already strong service line card. And thanks to its association with Seidel Diesel Group and Midwest Fuel Injection, the company’s engine parts and service capabilities also provide another tool for differentiation in the aftermarket marketplace.

Action Truck Parts hasn’t strayed from its early successes, either.

The company committed to merchandising and retailing its inventory as a sales driver at its Bolingbrook location earlier this decade, and has duplicated the tactic in its Rockdale store.

Seidel says the location is already experiencing double-digit sales growth for retail SKUs over its previous layout.

Such immediate success could lead to complacency in some, but for Seidel he says it has only increased his motivation to do more. He jokes, “I almost find myself socially awkward with my friends, because I’m always thinking about the business and how we can improve.”

Though in that case, he says a second straight Distributor of the Year nomination is affirming.

“It means a lot to us because it shows that we’re doing something right,” he says. “That the industry is understanding what we are trying to do and embracing how we’re doing it.”

By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com

Cover Story

A bountiful

harvest

The sales potential of the agricultural industry in the aftermarket

F

inding and capitalizing on underserved markets has long been a blue print for aftermarket success.

Whether it be discovering an unfamiliar niche, focusing on an underrepresented product category or simply better serving isolated customers, the independent aftermarket has long thrived on its versatility.

Never has that been more valuable than the present. With on-highway

16

carriers continuing to grow more specialized, advanced and demanding in their needs, aftermarket distributors are being forced to work even harder to find customers and market segments that continue to value flexibility and adaptability with loyalty and partnership.

For distributors with access, one area that remains highly profitable is the agricultural industry.

According to data compiled by

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

Randall Reilly’s RigDig Business Intelligence, more than 40 percent of the 1.1 million active fleets in the United States in 2015 were private carriers operating fewer than 10 trucks. While a significant number of those 408,702 fleets identify as owner-operators or small businesses, the heartland is still ripe with commercial trucks. For the farmers and ranchers who own them, finding an aftermarket partner to rely on is nearly as important

Cover Story

as good weather and commodities prices.

“We’ve found the [agricultural] market to be a huge advantage for us in recent years,” says Scott Goostree, vice president at Wichita, Kan.-based Truck Parts & Equipment. “It’s such a complex market, and so broad in scope. Not everyone gets into it. But we’ve found by making a commitment to it that we’ve really been able to succeed.”

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

For a distributor considering a plunge into the ag world, Goostree’s reference to its scope is not to be overlooked. The variety of equipment found in agricultural fleets is without comparison. It’s not just all-makes; in the farming community, there’s no telling how new, old or unique a piece of equipment can be.

Like their contemporaries in the ‘private carrier, fewer than 10 trucks’

demographic, agricultural customers rarely buy trucks new, instead choosing to purchase equipment as second or third owners with the hopes of keeping them for a long time.

But unlike those contemporaries who buy used but intend to drive every day, most agricultural customers use their equipment sporadically, putting in a lot of miles during peak seasons and very little elsewhere. These gaps allow not

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

17

Cover Story only opportunities for regular maintenance, but because of their lower overall mileage totals, can lead to customers hanging on to operational vehicles for decades or more.

“As long as [the trucks] keep running, they’ll keep them for a long, long time,” says Dave Engstrom, president at Mutual Wheel, which has 11 locations in the farm-heavy states of Illinois and Iowa.

Agricultural customers also use their equipment in different duty cycles.

What the ag market lacks in dry vans, reefers and flat beds it makes up for with grain trailers, livestock haulers and medium-duty specialty straight trucks.

All of which require specific componentry and service.

It’s a lot to keep up with, Goostree acknowledges, but because so many don’t, distributors who do commit to the market can stake out a reputation as supplier to rely on.

The best way Truck Parts & Equipment has found to do so is through its inventory.

When onboarding a new customer, Goostree says his sales team asks for a vehicle list and any historical parts purchasing data. (As self-employed entrepreneurs, some farmers keep these receipts for taxes purposes.) Goostree

Truck parts and service is just one of the ways Butler Machinery Company serves the agriculture industry.

The company also has heavy equipment and agriculture business units.

says Truck Parts & Equipment will alter its inventory based on data provided to proactively stock what a customer is likely to need. In cases where future needs don’t match expectations, Truck Parts & Equipment will then evaluate its data with the customer’s purchase history and update its stocking accordingly.

“I know if an inventory expert

came in here they’d probably want to cut a chunk of our inventory,” he says.

“But when I was a sales guy, customers would always tell me ‘The reason I call you is because I know you’re most likely to have what I need.’”

John Vander Haag, president at Vander Haag’s, says his company builds its inventory with the same goal in

Agriculture customers make up a large percentage of business for Vander Haag’s, which has locations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains.

18

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

Cover Story

When I was a sales guy, customers would always tell me ‘The reason I call you is because I know you’re most likely to have what I need.’

– Scott Goostree, vice president at Truck Parts & Equipment

mind, focusing not just on breadth but also depth of its product lines at its locations in Iowa, South Dakota, Missouri and Indiana.

“We’ve found a blended inventory has really worked well for us, so we try to supplement our new inventory with rebuilt and recycled parts to give the customer options,” says Vander Haag.

Active parts tracking allows the distributor to identify higher-volume ag-specific parts and stock accordingly.

Vander Haag mentions trailer parts and some older truck components as categories that skew toward the ag market, but says most of Vander Haag’s rural inventory mirrors what it keeps in its more urban stores.

“We’re always watching what’s turning and stocking to that. There may be a few differences between our Des Moines and Kansas City stores compared to our Sioux Falls and Spencer locations, but it’s not a huge difference.”

An inventory expanded for agricultural customers also should be promoted as such. Some components used on heavy-duty trucks can also be installed on farm equipment.

Engstrom mentions LED lighting as a category where Mutual Wheel’s ag customers have shown great interest.

“A lot of these guys are putting LED lighting on their trucks and equipment so they can work late in the fall.

We’re stocking a lot more of those lines because of that,” he says.

Additionally, at Butler Machinery Company, which serves the truck, heavy equipment, construction and ag markets in the Dakotas and Nebraska, Truck Parts Specialist Jeremy Oistad says his

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

19

Cover Story

During busy harvest seasons, Butler Machinery Company occasionally extends its hours and delivery times to better serve its agriculture customers.

company uses its business systems to communicate parts leads to its other divisions.

“We have an alert that we use” to notify departments if a customer has requests for their products, he says. “It allows us to follow up with them. We don’t want anyone to fall through the cracks.”

Serving the agribusiness industry also requires an understanding of its seasonality. When farmers are

harvesting and ranchers are moving livestock, one minute of downtime is too much. Gaining and maintaining ag customers during those periods is all about access.

That means not just having the part, but also being open or providing delivery to get it to the customer fast, Oistad says.

“When these guys are in harvest their window [to work] is so small. Days and hours are crucial to them. They have to

When we’re open earlier in the morning those are the types of customers we see a lot. In the fall, we’ll have guys in our stores at 6:30 or 7 a.m. pretty regularly.

– Dave Engstrom, president at Mutual Wheel Company

20

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

be working,” he says. “And most of them don’t have a backup truck. There is no margin for error if it breaks down.”

To aid in reducing downtime, Oistad says Butler’s rural locations offer on-call service and extended hours during busy harvest seasons.

“We’ve realized the opportunity there. We know they can’t be down, and if we can be there for them and take care of them, we know how much that matters,” he says.

Mutual Wheel’s also had success with expanded hours, Engstrom says.

“When we’re open earlier in the morning those are the types of customers we see a lot. In the fall, we’ll have guys in our stores at 6:30 or 7 a.m. pretty regularly.”

Goostree says Truck Parts &

Cover Story

We want to do anything we can do to be a one-stop shop for them. That’s our ultimate goal. The closer we can tie them to us the better that is for both of us.

– Jeremy Oistad, truck parts specialist at Butler Machinery Company

Equipment dials up its delivery, sending parts out across the plains for same day and next-day repairs. It’s also had success partnering with rural repair shops, who provide overnight service to get agricultural trucks and equipment back up and running by sunrise.

Service is another area where ag customers can be unique. As immediate as their needs are when harvest is in session, their trucks also can sit for weeks and months at a time. Vander Haag says his company has started running parts and service specials during those slow periods to motivate customers into preventive maintenance, and reduce their downtime risks when business picks up.

“We try to get them in now before the big pressure is on,” he says.

It’s moves like that distributors say can turn a supplier-distributor relationship into a partnership.

“We want to do anything we can do to be a one-stop shop for them. That’s our ultimate goal,” Oistad says. “The closer we can tie them to us the better that is for both of us.”

Vander Haag agrees. “Ag is the predominant industry in our area. We’ve built our relationships over time and we work hard to maintain them.”

But it’s important to acknowledge that partnerships are built on trust, and loyalty goes both ways.

Goostree believes Truck Parts & Equipment’s agricultural customers “like to deal with people who truly do care about them and their businesses,” and says the distributor works every day to provide the parts and service necessary to meet that expectation.

“We have to be there for them.”

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

Keeping fleets in motion for over a century

SKF has been supplying truck manufacturers with innovative, high-quality components since the birth of the industry.

Today, our wheel end maintenance components, including tapered bearings, Scotseal wheel seals and accessories, and our driveline components and air dryers continue to help operators extend maintenance intervals and maximize fleet uptime.

Install confidence. Install SKF.

www.skfpartsinfo.tv

@skfpartsinfo

® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group. | © SKF Group 2017

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

21

By Jonathan Willis, Associate online editor jonathanwillis@randallreilly.com

Sales & Marketing

Going the

extra mile

Dealer, distributor relationships key in keeping trucks on the road

P

art of life as an independent aftermarket distributor is the understanding that you can’t have every part for every customer every day. Good distributors stock as much as possible, but without access to everything, the possibility a customer one day requests a part you don’t have is an eventuality.

In these instances, where the options are send the customer away or find another route to serving their needs, independent aftermarket distributors

22

avoiding the former must accept the reality of the latter: that sometimes, the independent aftermarket is reliant on truck dealers.

In a market as competitive as today’s parts industry, that reliance can create uneasiness on both sides. But with a focus on the end user and the importance of fulfilling his needs, independent distributors can forge sturdy relationships with dealers that eventually benefit both sides.

“There is intense competition between

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

us and the dealers, but there’s no question we have to rely on them sometimes,” says Midwest Truck Parts President Howard Siegel.

“It’s not something that we have to do daily, but we have to do it. Every company in this industry has to go to competitors because our customers (the fleets) are always in a hurry.”

Taking care of customer needs and building strong working relationships among dealers and distributors set the most successful companies apart from

Sales & Marketing

One of the most important things you can do is basically use the Golden Rule. Treat customers the way that you would want to be treated. Take care of whatever they need the best you can.

– Sean Malik, branch manager at Action Truck Parts

the rest, says Sean Malik, branch manager of Action Truck Parts’ Bolingbrook, Ill., location.

“One of the most important things you can do is basically use the Golden Rule,” he says. “Treat customers the way that you would want to be treated. Take care of whatever they need the best you can.”

“One of the biggest things we can do to build a relationship is to be able to make the lives of our customers as easy as possible,” adds Tommy Hill,

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

general manager of Truck Parts of South Carolina.

“If we don’t have it, we have to get it.

The real success to any business, especially in this industry, is bending over backwards to give the customer what they need. You have to be available 24/7 and offer them what they need, when they need it. Fleet owners don’t have time to wait around on us. We have to be ready to take care of them as soon as they need it.”

Which means going the extra mile

whenever necessary to provide the parts needed. Malik says Action Truck Parts first tries to identify exactly what a customer needs so it knows what it can or can’t get from its suppliers.

“If we receive a call from a customer who needs something, whether it’s an OE or aftermarket part, we can guide them to the best item. Sometimes one part will work for the job, but the service shop just may not be aware of it. We can work with them to find the best fit so they can complete the job.”

Through these discussions, distributors can uncover parts they may able to source through aftermarket suppliers specializing in previously OEM-exclusive products, as well as all-makes lines found through regular supplier partners that may fulfill an aspect of a customer’s request.

But even with these avenues, there will continue to be times when “dealer only” parts are needed. When that happens, Siegel says there’s no choice but to reach out to the dealerships.

In most cases, however, dealers do not extend special price offering to

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

23

Sales & Marketing

distributors. After all, dealership service departments are direct competitors to distributors.

“We don’t get price breaks,” Siegel says. “Most of the time we pay the top dollar for any part that we purchase from a dealer.”

He says that building relationships with particular counter sales personnel at the dealerships can help ease that at times.

“We try to build relationships with certain counter people because they will help you as much as they can,” Siegel says. “But, they can only do so much.”

Siegel adds that pricing works both ways, however.

“There are times when a dealer needs parts from us, but we price the way they would do us.”

Walking the line in building relationships with dealers so they don’t see you solely as competition is not always easy.

According to Southwest Truck Parts Owner Duane Polok, the relationship

between dealers and distributors is more strained than it was years ago, but the need to rely on one another has not changed.

in technology,” Polok says, pointing to the sophistication of many parts.

He says his company works with many OEMs, such as Freightliner and Peterbilt, to help strengthen relationships with local dealers.

“The manufacturers have helped us create some relationships with dealers that have been helpful to us,” Polok says, adding that working directly with manu– Duane Polok, owner of Southwest Truck Parts facturers can cultivate resources at one dealer as opposed to another “Back in the day, I believe the relationthat might be less helpful. ships between distributors and dealers Polok says that when his company were stronger than they are now,” he says. needs a part, they call on the dealers im“There are still many that work well with mediately just as a fleet owner would. us, but there are some that just don’t want “We don’t wait until we need several to work with us at all. They see us as com- things,” he says. “We have to work with petition, which we are. But, there is more the dealers that can get us what we need than enough business for all of us.” when we need it because our customers The main area that Polok believes have to be back on the road.” dealerships hold an advantage is due to Siegel adds that relationships with technology. common vendors also allow distributors “It seems like we can’t live without the to have better access to the parts they dealers anymore because of the advances need or to the sources at dealerships that

It seems like we can’t live without the dealers anymore because of the advances in technology.bbb

Distributors are often at the mercy of local dealers when it comes to quickly finding OEM parts for their customers.

24

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

Sales & Marketing

Building strong relationships between distributors and dealers play a pivotal role in assuring that fleets stay on the road, rather than in the shop.

can help them most.

It’s also important to remember dealers don’t stock everything, either.

Sometimes they can be just as reliant on the aftermarket as it may be on them.

Stocking parts a dealer might need for a particular customer is one way to prove your value to them and increase the potential for a cooperative relationship.

“We maintain a close relationship with our truck and trailer dealers in the area since we need them when working on the many different nameplates we see every day in and out of our service departments,” says Mike Lerach, parts sales manager at Blaine Brothers. “[But] since we are also a capacity dealer, and sell a multiple line of trailers at our North

American trailer location, this relationship can work both ways.”

He adds, “Not all OEM nameplates are easy to work with but our longevity in this marketplace has helped our parts and service personnel to develop many close working relationships on a day-to-day basis within the local dealer channels.”

Appealing to a dealer’s customer service traits is a helpful tactic, too. No one

wants to let a customer down.

“It is all of our jobs to make sure that fleets are on the road and avoiding downtimes so the better working relationships we have with our networks, the better off we all are,” says CIT Trucks President Erick Miner.

The best companies are able to meet a customer’s needs at any given time, adds Rick Reynolds, president of Peach State Truck Centers.

“It takes a great deal of teamwork from distributors, suppliers, shop guys, sales people, everyone really, to meet the demands of our industry,” he says. “But those who go the extra mile to do that are the ones who build loyal and consistent customer – Rick Reynolds, president of Peach State Truck Centers bases.”

It takes a great deal of teamwork from distributors, suppliers, shop guys, sales people, everyone really, to meet the demands of our industry.b b

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

25

Marketplace

The Buzz The five hottest products as determined by readers of truckpartsandservice.com

Diagnostic scan tool Bosch introduces the HDS 200 heavy-duty scan tool for technicians working on Class 4-8 trucks.

According to Bosch, HDS 200 is a solution for aftermarket repair shops that service heavy- and mediumduty trucks.

The Bosch HDS 200 Heavy Duty Scan Tool kit includes a 9-pin Deutsch cable, 6-pin Deutsch cable, 16-pin HD/OBD II cable, USB cable, quick start guide and carrying case. Bosch says display language can be selected from English, Spanish and French, with data readouts in English or metric. The HDS 200 meets SAE J1587/J1708 & J1939 standards and specifications.

Upgraded aftermarket clutch line

More than 40 new heavy-duty SKUs

Production is underway for Eaton’s recently upgraded line of aftermarket Eaton Advantage Self-Adjust and Eaton Easy Pedal Advantage heavy-duty clutches.

Eaton says 28 part numbers with a wide range of torque ratings up to 2,250 lb.-ft. are now available for replacement service for all makes and models of heavy-duty trucks in North America. The 28 part numbers are a reduction from 41 previous part numbers by combining several earlier models into one. Eaton says the line covers all commercial heavy-duty truck applications while allowing dealers to reduce inventory levels.

Dorman HD Solutions has added five new products and more than 40 SKUs to its former dealer only heavy-duty product offering.

The new components include an HVAC control module repair kit for International tractors, accelerator pedals and bumper cover reinforcements for Freightliners, and fuel tank sending units and windshield wiper arms for Mack tractors.

Diesel injector cleaner

Expanded air disc brake line

FPPF Chemical Co., has released its newly reformulated product, Extreme Diesel Injector Cleaner – Regen Reduction Formula.

Extreme Diesel Injector Cleaner – Regen Reduction Formula is a blend of concentrated detergents that will break down carbon deposits, significantly reducing build up in Diesel Particulate Filters with regular use.

It is available in a 32 oz. bottle (treats up to 250 gallons); a 5 gallon pail (treats up to 5,000 gallons); and a 55 gallon drum (treats up to 55,000 gallons). The former is available in cases of 12, the latter for individual purchase.

Abex has expanded its series of air disc brake products for popular heavy-duty braking applications.

Abex says its ADBHD1369 is now equipped with OE-style green coat stripes, which provide consistent performance both out of the box and throughout the life of the pad. Additionally, these pads also come with a mechanical retention system that supports the friction material from shearing from the back plate, and a complete installation hardware kit and meets global ISO performance and wear standards, Abex says.

26

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

Marketplace

Oil pan adapter gasket

Suspension bushing tool sets OTC introduces new Hendrickson Front Suspension Bushing Tool Sets to assist technicians when replacing front suspension bushings in heavy-duty applications. OTC says the sets removes rusted and frozen heavy-duty front suspension bushings without removing suspension parts from the vehicle, significantly reduces time spent on bushing service.

The two new sets, the 4274 Hendrickson Front Suspension Bushing Tool Set and 4275 Hendrickson Front Suspension Bushing Master Tool Set with hydraulic pump, are both available in North America.

Jump starter and power supply Clore Automotive introduces the Model No. JNC318, 12-volt jump starter and power supply, from Jump-N-Carry.

Clore Automotive says the JNC318 is an ideal shop tool, combining robust jump starting power with numerous features that deliver utility and convenience, including PreHeat capability for improved performance in extreme cold temperatures, USB outlets to power small electronics, 12-volt power supply capability and a high intensity LED work light.

Two cleaning products E-ZOIL introduces a new hand cleaner and glass cleaner for use in commercial service centers.

According to the company, its Hardy Hands cleaner for professional technicians uses a high-performance formula with natural ingredients to quickly eliminate dirt and grime.

The company’s Glass Glitz product is formulated to be streak-free and able to dissolve film, light to heavy soils, fingerprints, bugs and other hard to remove items off glass surfaces.

W W W . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . C O M

AFA Industries has released an oil pan adapter gasket for Cummins K/QS19 Series engines.

According to the company, this rubber edge molded steel gasket replaces the older composite style gasket and will improve the sealing of the oil pan adapter joint. By using the steel carrier with rubber edge molded technology, the sealing is improved by preventing cap screw loss at the oil pan adapter joint, the company says.

The company says part number A2888747 is available now and replaces part number A4000595.

Wheel attachment reference chart Automann continues its commitment to providing the aftermarket with quality reference tools by presenting distributors with the new 2017 Wheel Attachment ID chart.

Automann says this 11 in. by 17 in. flipchart is printed on 100 lb. gloss covered paper and contains over 500 real-sized images, covering over 700 wheel attaching parts available. Also included are product listings and reference charts, interchanges, and an index with popularity codes.

Regional drive tire Michelin Americas Truck Tires has launched its X Multi D Regional Drive Tire.

Michelin says user segments include lessthan-truckload, pickupand-delivery, food and beverage, energy, construction and other vocational segments.

The tire has a 28/32nd tread depth and is available in sizes 11R22.5 in both Load Ranges G and H; 11R24.5 in Load Range H; and 275/80R22.5 in Load Range G. Two more sizes are planned.

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

27

Marketplace

Steel wheel refinishing service Accuride Corporation introduces ProFinish steel wheel refinishing service to the North American commercial vehicle aftermarket.

Now in full operation, ProFinish will refinish all steel wheel makes with Accuride’s advanced Steel Armor coating that delivers best-in-class corrosion protection, and carries a 12-month warranty against rust damage.

Accuride says it is the first commercial vehicle wheel manufacturer to refinish wheels for the aftermarket using the same advanced system used to apply its original-equipment wheel coating.

Off The Line Spotlighting a new OEM innovation

Cargo restraint catalog Doleco USA has released its new catalog “Cargo Restraint Systems and Lifting Solutions” that includes nearly 350 items from the company’s product portfolio.

The new catalog includes more than 75 new items. Doleco says one key addition is a new black winch strap with reflective fiber for visibility at night. The company has also introduced new winch straps in the country colors of the U.S, Mexico and Canada.

Wide-based radial tire

Volvo debuts new VNL series Volvo Trucks North America has revealed its new Volvo VNL series.

Available in several configurations, including an all-new, 70-in. sleeper, the Volvo VNL series defines the shape of trucks to come, the company says. It comes standard with the 13-liter Volvo D13 engine, while daycab and VNL 400 models can spec the 11-liter Volvo D11 as an option. Volvo says the 15-liter Cummins X15 is also

28

available in the VNL series.

“The new Volvo VNL builds on our long-standing commitment to deliver the safest, most comfortable and most efficient long-haul truck on the market,” says Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Infused with new innovations and technologies, we’re proud to expand upon that commitment to our current and future customers with this new design.”

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

Bridgestone America’s Firestone FS818 widebase radial tire is engineered for all-position use in on-and-off-highway severe-service applications.

Suited for higher payloads and added flotation, Bridgestone says the tire uses special tread compounds to help resist cuts, chips, tearing and irregular wear. It is designed with a deep self-cleaning tread pattern for added traction and long original mileage, while stone rejecter platforms in every groove offer added durability.

The FS818 tire is available in sizes 385/65R22.5, 425/65R22.5 and 445/65R22.5, the company says.

AuTomAnn# CAT-RP300 624 pages with over 5,000 parts and kits covering: Log on to our web site for: DirectEquip_CCJ0909_Pg.indd 1 • Industry Headlines • Industry Calendar • Full-text versions of current and past articles.

• Subscription information

• Staff contact information • New Products • Tech Updates • And MUCH more…

n mounts - Cabin, Exhaust, Hood, motor, Radiator

8/6/09 2:44 PM

n Bushings - Beam, Leaf Spring, Spring Hangers, Torque Arms

www.TruckPartsandService.com

ericanCreditHome_TPS0817_Pg.indd 1

Classified Advertising

7/26/17 2:51 PM TPS website 1x1.indd 1

4/7/16

Call Brad Holthaus 205-248-1278 or visit www.truckpartsandservice.com

n Insulators & Load Cushions for suspension applications Included are 100 page torque rod section with both size and type charts (listing 10:12 AM bushings, angles and possible alternative); comprehensive suspension bushing chart for quick identification; separate section that lists all Fifth Wheel components and 65 page cross reference with over 10,000 crosses from 137 different makes.

Automann sixth for feb mar april.indd 2

OVD Video 6 Pack_half HZ.indd 1

w w w . T R U C K PA R T S A N D S E R V I C E . c o m

Classified Ads

Poly & Rubber Catalog

1/3/17 4:57 PM

6/12/17 10:02 AM

A u g u s t 2 0 1 7 | T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E

31

Ad Index Company

Contact Info

Automann

888-288-6626

Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network

BC

cvsn.org

15

daytonparts.com

11

dormanhdsolutions.com

7

Dayton Parts Dorman HD Solutions

Page

Flight Systems Automotive Group

flightdiesel.net

32

Horton

hortonww.com

3

hunter.com

9

Midwest Truck Parts

800-934-2727

29

Minimizer

800-248-3855

5

PPG Industries, Inc.

adjustrite.com

IFC

ProMiles

800-324-8588

19

Hunter Engineering Company

Company

Contact Info

Page

Rig Dig BI

randallreilly.com

30

RSC Bio Solutions

liquidwrench.com

13

S & S Truck Parts, Inc. She Drives SKF Auto Parts

800-621-1553

IBC

shedrivestrucks.com/subscribe 12 skfpartsinfo.tv

21

American Credit House

888-857-9154

31

Automann

888-288-6626

31

Direct Equipment Supply Co.

800- 992-1478

31

Classifieds

This advertisers’ index is a service to readers. Although every effort is made to maintain accuracy, Truck Parts & Service cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions.

32

T R U C K PA R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 7

THE FUTURE OF ONLINE TRUCK PARTS ORDERING IS HERE JOIN THE REVOLUTION AND BECOME A DISTRIBUTOR

OUR MARKET LEADING, CUSTOMER CENTRIC E-COMMERCE WEBSITE GIVES YOU ACCESS TO: 40,000+ PARTS • UNRIVALED STOCK LEVELS • 97% ORDER FILLMENT RATES • 24/7 ORDERING

Request an account from our customer service order desk today 844.446.7388 NEW WAYS TO BROWSE WITH OUR INTERACTIVE TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS: - EXPRESS ORDERING - PTO CONFIGURATOR

- 360° TRUCK VIEWS - INTERACTIVE SCHEMATICS

www.sandstruck.com

- ROTATING PARTS FOR SIMPLE IDENTIFICATION

Customer Service Order Desk:

844.446.7388

All parts supplied are S&S Truck Parts, LLC/NEWSTAR. Use of other manufacturer’s names, part numbers, or trademarks are solely used for informational/identification purposes

OVER

20,000 PARTS AVAILABLE

Air BrAke & Wheel Air SpringS & ShockS

electricAl

chrome hrome & St StAinleSS SS

exhAuSt

leAf SpringS

lighting

poly & ruBBer er

Steering

SuSpenSion Su

induStry leAding WeBSite & cAtAlogS n n n n

Body & cABin

Streamlined interchange & ordering 360° views product Wizards & Schematics detailed product charts

trAiler

cooling

driveline

miScellAneouS

four StrAtegic locAtionS n n n n

ontario, cA Somerset, nJ Arlington tx Brampton, on canada

iSo9001:2008 certified operAtionS

Superior cuStomer Service

n in-house team of product managers & engineers

n Same-day Shipping n Bilingual representatives n direct Sales force

www.automann.com

1-888-AUTOMANN (288-6626)