Commentary

Aftermarket: Where do we stand?

As we start the last month of the year, there are signs that 2023 will be more challenging from an economic standpoint. We have not had a recession in 2022, our opinion, but signs are pointing towards one in mid-2023 or at least a slowdown in the economy.

December 6, 2022

Seven time-saving reasons to enable digital self-service

GenAlpha COO Kris Harrington shares seven reasons why parts operations should invest in digital tools to improve customer service and strengthen employee productivity.

November 28, 2022

Warehouse employees using a computer

The answers to your toughest business challenges may be hidden in your own data

AutoPower Founder and President Mike Mallory says for parts distributors to be more data-driven and competitive in this digital age, businesses must better utilize the capabilities within their DMS to unleash the power of the data the systems hold.

November 14, 2022

Man holding tablet and evaluating data

How truck recalls can influence DOT policies

Benjamin Franklin once famously said, “There are two things in life that are unavoidable — death and taxes.” If Ben was around today, he surely would have added vehicle recalls to the list.

November 9, 2022

Highway truck inspection

Understanding millennials will help you retain them

“No generation has been written about more than the Millennials but I think often people over-exaggerate the differences between them [and prior generations],” said David Coletto, Abacus Data CEO, speaking this month at the 2022 NTDA Convention.

October 25, 2022

Group of Millennial associates in meeting together

Winterizing your fleet will be different this year

Combining a comprehensive annual plan with sophisticated data analytics and maintenance technology can keep trucks on the road and drivers safe during winter.

October 18, 2022

semi truck driving in the snow

Six tips for improving parts staffing productivity

With parts prices on the rise, dealers are being faced with the tough choice to raise prices or reduce margins. In this month's KEA Advisors' editorial, Mark Betzen says through improved department productivity, the stress of that choice can be lessened.

October 11, 2022

Technician looking for a part in storage

Three reasons why distributors should start their digital journey

One of the biggest lessons is that organizations must be more agile and can respond quickly to changes. Digital investment helps to create that agility and allows for new growth.

September 21, 2022

Man looking at computer

Three steps to right-size your parts inventory

One of a dealer's largest investments is its parts inventory. And dealers want their investment to provide returns. KEA Advisors says proper stewardship of a parts inventory investment should lead to returns measured in at least three ways:

September 19, 2022

Shot of parts inventory hallway

Will a maturing EV market impact insurance costs for fleets?

What happens when fleets begin replacing diesel power units with electric equivalents carrying an upfront value estimated at two to three times greater?

September 1, 2022

Five things equipment owners want from their partners

As digital expectations rise, distributors and dealers need to provide a comprehensive online experience that can rival what equipment owners and operators are experiencing in their personal lives.

August 25, 2022

Keyboard with shopping cart on it

The 'wild cards' looming in our domestic supply chain

Though global shipping is slowing improving thanks to improvements in ocean freight capacity, UniBond Brake's Brad Pritts says the freight situation isn't as positive in North America with several 'wild cards' impacting port and rail productivity.

August 23, 2022

Photo of containers stacked two high in a busy railyard

Number of available truck models increasing, as is MSRP

Boat and RV manufacturers have cut the number of models they offer due to supply chain challenges, but makers of big trucks are going the other direction, and sticker prices are going along for the ride.

August 12, 2022

What's in a brand?

A recent MacKay & Company survey of fleets and distribution channels uncovered brand awareness and acceptance rates for Tier 1 and aftermarket suppliers.

August 5, 2022

Dealer, tech school team up to cultivate technicians

Heavy-duty service providers continue to show their creativity with new ways to create technician pipelines into our industry.

July 28, 2022

Four Star Freightliner Dealer Principal Jerry Kocan and Ingram President Annette Funderburk.

The ocean freight market is in flux; what does that mean for shippers

UniBond's Brad Pritts shares his expertise on the shipping global market, and the issues that are continuing to drive rising prices for container shipments across the world.

July 27, 2022

Container ship passing under Bayonne Bridge in New Jersey

Don't overlook training if you’re investing in data

Today’s data analysis tools are fantastically robust. If you’re salespeople aren’t well versed on how to receive and analyze those insights to make smart strategy decisions in the marketplace, they could be wasting their time — and your money.

July 22, 2022

RigDig Business Intelligence home page

Five ways product configurators can transform sales for distributors

Distribution is a complex industry. A single piece of equipment can have 100,000 different potential configurations. Creating a way for customers to configure equipment quickly has become critical for success. That’s where product configurators come in.

July 15, 2022

Truck owner looking at laptop and evaluating a purchase

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Cummins-Meritor better together slide

Cummins offers update on Meritor integration

During Meritor’s annual press luncheon at HDAW, Cummins-Meritor executives Alan Rabadi and Joe Mejaly were excited to unveil the future of Meritor, and how the integration is progressing. The mood was positive.

GenNext has opened nomination period for its 4 Under 40 Awards

Weldon Parts wins 2022 TPS Distributor of the Year

Weldon Parts earns 2022 Distributor of the Year Award

2023 HD Aftermarket Dialogue Government Affairs session

Washington gridlock could lead to more executive decision-making

HDAW makes space for women in heavy-duty aftermarket

Learn how to move your used trucks faster

With unsold used inventory depreciating at a rate of more than 2% monthly, efficient inventory turnover is a must for dealers. Download this eBook to access proven strategies for selling used trucks faster.

Used Truck Guide Cover

A Roadmap to Buying or Selling a Commercial Truck Dealership

Prepared by North America’s highest volume dealership brokerage firm, learn how to value a business, the 10 steps to a successful selling, and how to calculate the walk-away sale proceeds.