Commentary

Apple, Facebook and Google are remodeling how businesses leverage consumer data

What’s at stake is how companies use technology and algorithms to track individual users.

June 8, 2021

Recruiting electric truck techs? Good luck with that

The trucking industry long has had an issue recruiting and retaining diesel technicians.

May 24, 2021

diesel techs working on truck

Washington can solve the infrastructure crisis

My biggest fear is the two sides work out an arrangement on what needs to be funded but can’t agree on how to pay for it.

May 15, 2021

Road Construction

Survey data highlights how COVID-19 fundamentally altered trucking employment and operations

Throughout the severe pandemic months of 2020, parts sales, service sales and miles driven all took a hit. A huge hit. But the balance of last year was met with perseverance, grit and creative problem solving and business returned to more normal levels.

May 17, 2021

Mac Kay & Company

The incredible opportunity to capitalize on e-commerce in 2021

Sellers are quickly realizing how they sell a product is becoming just as important as the product they are selling. Building an e-commerce platform that satisfies a variety of audiences is key to finding aftermarket success.

May 9, 2021

Man Looking At Computer Data

Cetane Improvers: The (not so) good, the bad and the ugly

The most common question? “Does the performance of a cetane booster outweigh the potential damage it could cause in the fuel system?” The answer may surprise you.

May 4, 2021

Shutterstock Engine

Five ways for distributors to improve conversion rates

Your marketing team has been busy getting traffic to your eStore. Now the real work begins. How do you translate traffic to transactions that generate revenue?

April 9, 2021

Shutterstock Laptop In Warehouse

Performance evaluation a coaching, retention tool

Depending on whether the technician is hitting this goal, you may need to change the goal or provide the tech with additional training.

April 8, 2021

A properly structured performance evaluation can help technicians improve performance and allow managers to lay out career development opportunities.

Fleets desire to reduce service outsourcing in 2021

Commercial Carrier Journal recently surveyed nearly 450 fleet professionals to uncover how commercial fleets have managed the rollercoaster of the past year and how their recent experiences have changed their vehicle maintenance practices.

April 5, 2021

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The Good and the Bad (I did not get to the ugly)

A little over a month ago in this column, I mentioned I believed there was a light at the end of the tunnel to this pandemic. I now believe we are almost out of that tunnel and that we are about to turn the corner.

March 31, 2021

Mac Kay & Company

How washing a truck can lead to corrosion

How does a service provider avoid doing more harm than good when pressure washing a truck’s undercarriage?

March 12, 2021

phillips industries socket with visible corrosion

Are soft credit pulls the new trend in heavy equipment pre-qualification?

David Strand, Equipment Funding Solutions founder, says you may be chasing off qualified leads if you’re waiting to get a full credit application that utilizes a hard credit pull.

March 9, 2021

Two people going over paperwork

2021 Aftermarket Outlook: What's ahead for the industry?

From a reporting perspective on the aftermarket, the last eight to nine months have actually been fairly positive as the biggest negative impact to the aftermarket and economy occurred in the second quarter of 2020.

March 1, 2021

Mac Kay & Company

Understanding the longer term purchase potential for alternative powertrains

Despite a status quo for alt-fuel sales in 2021, that doesn’t mean the trucking industry has abandoned its interest in non-diesel fuels and powertrains. Fleets that have adopted alternative solutions within their operations remain committed to them.

February 26, 2021

A person inserting an electric charging cable into a charging port on a Volvo VNR

Grid vulnerabilities for commercial EVs are troubling

Electric trucks and vans have a much lower TCO than conventional but grid vulnerabilities demonstrated this week in Texas and other states could bring on serious setbacks for fleets that are eager to embrace all-electric powertrains.

February 18, 2021

Icicles Austin, Texas

The time is now to work on your online presence

“Online is something you can no longer ignore if you have been up until this point,” said Brie Anderson, owner, BEAST Analytics.

February 4, 2021

hdaw local seo tips

TPS is evolving to serve you better

We've made some changes around here. Welcome to the new Trucks, Parts, Service.

January 28, 2021

Questions you need to answer when business planning in 2021

Here are a few things to consider before you finalize your business plan and notify your team of their expectations for the year ahead.

January 28, 2021

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Trucks parked on lot

Fleets say uptime, safety, ROI top priorities when spec'ing new equipment

A new fleet sentiment survey from CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR) indicates today's commercial carriers believe improving vehicle safety and uptime are the most important factors when considering equipment to spec into a new heavy-duty truck.

A young technician at work

Understanding young techs is vital to keeping them

200922 Mack Md Series Production 1

FTR: Don't worry about falling order totals, equipment demand remains sky high

East Penn driver behind the wheel of a heavy duty truck.

How to get the most out of your batteries

Group of white used International trucks

Finding inventory continues to be a challenge as used market stays hot

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

How to Grow & Scale Your Repair Shop

Ever thought about starting your own diesel repair shop? Fullbay’s expanded guide will show you the necessary steps to bring your new business into the world.