Mark Your Calendar!

Tuesday, October 26

2-3 PM Central

How effective is your company in identifying and defining its value proposition? What is a value proposition? Why is it important? Your ability to identify and clearly define your company’s value proposition is an important process that can directly affect your company’s financial future.

In this complimentary webinar, Tom Marx, president and CEO of the Marx Group, will help you understand the purpose and goal of your value proposition, and give you techniques and tips to help you clearly define it so you can effectively communicate it to customers and other company stakeholders.

To register for this free event, please visit https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/362983970

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico was 37.6 percent higher in June than in June 2009, reaching $69.9 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in June remained 5.8 percent below the June 2008 level despite the 2009-2010 increase. North American surface freight value rose 4.6 percent in June from May; month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in June was up 17.5 percent compared to June 2005, and up 38.0 percent compared to June 2000. Imports in June were up 33.7 percent compared to June 2000, while exports were up 43.4 percent.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $42.0 billion in June, up 35.5 percent compared to June 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 35.8 percent higher in June than June 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 34.2 percent higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in June with $5.9 billion.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $27.8 billion in June, up 41.0 percent compared to June 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 37.9 percent higher in June than June 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 34.5 percent higher. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in June with $9.9 billion, the largest monthly amount of trade between Texas and Mexico on record.

The TransBorder Freight Data are a unique subset of official U.S. foreign trade statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau. New data are tabulated monthly, and historical data are not adjusted for inflation. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. In June, 86.6 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved on land.

Reported sales of used commercial vehicles (Classes 3-8) were off 20 percent in July compared to June, but unit sales were up year-over year and are still running 43 percent above 2009 on a year-to-date basis, according to ACT Research Co. (ACT). In the latest release of the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks, ACT further reported that average used truck prices continued to move slightly higher, despite a slight rise in average age and miles of sold units.

“The average mileage of used Class 8 trucks sold in July rose above trend due to a higher than average number of older trucks being wholesaled,” says Steve Tam, vice president-commercial vehicle sector with ACT. “Anecdotal evidence suggests a shortage of late model, low mileage equipment. This trend will likely continue for several more months until new truck purchases increase and bring in equipment that sat idle during the economic slowdown,” added Tam.

The ACT Used Truck database contains approximately 2,500 transactions per month and more than 100,000 used truck transaction over the past decade. The company is working with used vehicle market participants to push the number of reported transactions significantly higher. ACT estimates that approximately 10 percent of used Class 8 transactions are included in the database.

In the current report, ACT has initiated trend reports for the average used price for the top-selling Class 8 model for each of the major truck OEMs – Freightliner (Daimler); Kenworth and Peterbilt (Paccar); International (Navistar); and Volvo. For subscription information to the full report, please go to the company’s web site at http://www.actresearch.net

Forty-five technicians from five Truck Centers, Inc. service departments recently completed the first round of competition for the inaugural Tech Challenge title.   In addition to the recognition of their abilities, participants are vying for more than $5,000 in prizes including tool gift certificates and an all-expense paid trip to next year’s “SuperTech” competition presented by the Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Association.

The program was implemented to highlight the advanced knowledge and professional skills that the technicians bring to the Truck Centers’ network of dealerships in order to consistently deliver premier customer service, according to the company. The participants recently completed a detailed, 350-question written examination that consisted of various topics ranging from corporate policy and safety standards to common diagnostic and repair tasks as well as advanced topics relating to Daimler Trucks of North America products including Freightliner models and Detroit Diesel engines.

The five technicians with the highest cumulative scores will gather at the Truck Centers’ Troy, Ill. campus on September 9^th for their final skills competition. Each finalist will participate in hands-on modules that will challenge their diagnostic ability and professional expertise. The results will be announced during the company’s 40^th Anniversary Jubilee celebration on October 1^st.

The inaugural TCI Tech Challenge finalists are:

• Don Blaney representing TCI–Springfield with 21 years of service
• Mike Grawe representing TCI-Troy with 15 years of service next month
• Gabe Kline representing TCI-Morton with over 12 years of service
• James Krikie representing TCI-Mt. Vernon with nearly 10 years of service
• Rob McNees representing TCI-St. Louis with 23 years of service

Zach Brown from TCI-Springfield  was given special recognition as the highest finishing “Rookie” technician with less than two years of service.   

SelecTrucks is extending its Down Payment Match promotion through Dec. 31. The used truck retailer will continue to help customers move into a new, used vehicle by matching 100, up to $2,500, of a small fleet’s or owner-operator’s down payment. Daimler Truck Financial will continue its partnership with SelecTrucks to defer qualifying customers’ first loan payment for up to 90 days. Payment deferral is offered exclusively through DTF with varying term lengths based on eligibility.

“This promotion has helped multiple small fleet owners and owner-operators add to their initial cash outlay,” says Drew Backeberg, director of sales and distribution for Daimler Trucks Remarketing Corp. “Even with the positive changes in the used truck market, owners and drivers are still bouncing back from the economic conditions in 2008 and 2009. By extending the Down Payment Match offer, we can continue to support our customers by potentially adding $2,500 to their down payment.”

Eligible vehicles include 2005-2007 Freightliner Century Class® S/T models with various specs and mileage ranges. Customers should contact their local SelecTrucks Center to learn more about the specific trucks available for the Down Payment Match offer. For a list of SelecTrucks Center locations, go to www.selectrucks.com.

After a successful pilot launch that began in February, Great Dane’s AdvantEDGE national account parts and service program is now open for fleet customer enrollment. The program connects customers to a nationwide network that fulfills their parts and service needs in beneficial ways that ultimately add up to peace of mind on the road, the company says.

 ”With over two years in development, the AdvantEDGE program is now ready to roll-out” says Dave Durand, Great Dane’s director of Aftermarket. “All phases of the pilot launch have proved successful, and we are confident our customers will experience the full benefit of this industry leading program.”

AdvantEDGE allows customers access to Great Dane’s extensive branch and dealer network throughout the U.S. and Canada. Once an account is established, customers can arrange for service and/or parts purchases at more than 100 participating locations. The program is a collaborative effort between Great Dane and Multi Service, and was specifically designed with features to benefit fleets. Customers are issued a single line of credit through Multi Service. Authorized buyers can then define unique roles and variable purchasing controls for drivers by utilizing the online platform. With features like Preferential Service & Parts Priority, Centralized Invoicing and Consistent Parts Pricing, the company says, AdvantEDGE removes the headaches from over-the-road service and parts purchases.

With 24/7 online access, AdvantEDGE is said to streamline business processes and procurement management. Customers can locate a service and parts provider, review their historical purchases or pay their bill through the online system.

Gamber-Johnson announces the expansion of its MAG docking station line to include a new docking station for the Panasonic Toughbook 31 computer.

The new MAG 31 Dock is constructed out of a magnesium shell, which is said to enhance its overall look and performance. The new dock includes a simplified front-facing docking mechanism, which makes for easy one-handed docking and undocking of the computer: insert the computer into the docking station and pull the front handle to the left to dock the computer. To undock, push the key lock button to release and undock the computer.  All Gamber-Johnson docking stations come with a standard key lock for added security.

“When evaluating new products, it is imperative we pay particular attention to the end-user experience, are mindful of their budget, and keep safety front and center,” comments Brian Wagner, president. “The magnesium docking station line accomplishes all this.  Magnesium has a higher strength to weight ratio of all structural metals, which improves the overall mounting system performance.  Magnesium is also better at dampening vibration, reducing wear and tear on the computer and wired connections.  Furthermore, magnesium dissipates heat that could damage the computer and it resists dents and other impacts for long lasting performance.” 

The MAG 31 Dock has passed vibration testing standard MIL-STD-810G and has undergone extensive cycle testing on the latch and docking mechanisms. Gamber-Johnson works closely with Panasonic’s engineering department to perform the appropriate tests needed to qualify the MAGDOCK as a Toughbook Certified product.

The MAG31 Dock’s simplified, patented, molded design is said to reduce the number of parts and improves cost. Additionally, the new dock contains forward facing ports for low mounting capability, minimal cable strain and minimal swivel resistance, is USB 2.0 compliant and offers a variety of antenna pass-through options. New to the MAG 31 Dock, there are now two Ethernet and five USB ports.  The dock is backwards compatible with the Panasonic Toughbook 30 computer. The docking station carries a three-year limited warranty with an optional four and five-year warranty. Gamber-Johnson offers a full line of vehicle bases, poles, and motion attachments to complete the mounting system.   

Shell Lubricants has introduced a revamped Shell Rotella heavy-duty engine antifreeze/coolant product portfolio that is led by Shell Rotella Ultra ELC.  Ultra ELC is an extended-life antifreeze/coolant for use in heavy-duty diesel, gasoline and natural gas-powered engines.

“Shell Rotella Ultra ELC is an improved performance, next-generation, extended-life engine coolant that is designed to meet the more severe operating conditions of new emission-compliant engines,” says Stede Granger, technical manager, Shell Lubricants. 

It is joined in the line of heavy-duty coolants by Shell Rotella Fully Formulated, which has replaced Shell Diesel Ready Fully Formulated Coolant/Antifreeze, and Shell Rotella ELC.  The coolants currently are available in bulk and drums and will be available in gallon bottles before the end of 2010.

“The inclusion of Shell Rotella Ultra ELC in the coolant portfolio is an important part of the continued growth and development of the Shell Rotella product line,” says Mark Reed, global brand manager for Shell Rotella.  “This further strengthens our position as technology leaders by providing a diverse line of coolants and engine oil products that are designed to meet the challenges of today’s and future heavy-duty engines.”

Shell Rotella Ultra ELC is formulated to meet the more severe operational conditions of modern, hotter-running engines, the company says.

Trojan Battery Company announced a partnership with Bergstrom, Inc. as the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) option to power its NITE no-idle thermal environment systems with Trojan’s OverDrive AGM 31 batteries. Among the battery-powered, no-idling products that will utilize the OverDrive are the NITE Plus, NITE Phoenix and NITE Day Cab.

“We are pleased to welcome Bergstrom and their NITE systems to Trojan’s global alliance of OEM partners. Trojan’s OverDrive AGM 31 battery is designed specifically to meet the heavy-duty cycling requirements of battery-powered, idle-elimination systems like the NITE climate solutions,” says Elke Hirschman, vice president of marketing for Trojan Battery.

Ongoing implementation of emissions legislation across the United States has increased the need for no-idle equipment that provides power for heating and air conditioning in the sleeper cab without the main engine running. A battery-based system like the NITE system is quickly emerging as the preferred technology because it is the most cost effective and regulatory compliant choice, particularly compared to diesel APUs.

Demands on any APU battery differ considerably to those used to start a truck’s engine. Traditional starting or dual-purpose batteries are not designed to withstand the rigors of a deep discharge and repeated recharge application. They are built to deliver maximum cranking power or only short and shallow cycle performance.  To effectively power an engine-off heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a battery with deep cycling capabilities is required. Equipped with a thicker, more robust plate and a heavy-duty grid, a true deep cycle battery like Trojan’s OverDrive is designed to perform optimally in APU applications giving the battery a longer lifetime with a stable capacity, the company says.

As battery-powered, no-idling systems, the CARB-approved NITE units are said to generate high Btu cooling capacity without sending damaging emissions into the environment. This helps drivers reduce emissions and comply with anti-idling laws. It also helps save money on fuel.

Ridewell Suspensions announces the addition of Gary Tombridge as Quality Director. A Springfield native and University of Tulsa graduate, Tombridge’s career began in Springfield. He then continued to develop his 20+ years of experience in quality management and manufacturing quality control in Dayton, Ohio, and Tulsa, Okla., before returning to Springfield in 1997.

Tombridge is a certified ISO9000 quality auditor, and a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. His extensive experience implementing and managing quality systems compliant to the QS9000 (TS16949) and ISO 9001:2000 international quality standards, special expertise in automotive and industrial products, and personal philosophy of continuous improvement make him a great fit for Ridewell, the company says.