Over the next five months, TPS will regularly shine our spotlight on this year’s finalists and what makes them unique, leading up to our DOTY award presentation on Jan. 20, 2026, during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week.
We continue today with Southside Trailer Service Inc., another first-time finalist for Distributor of the Year.
When was your business founded, and by whom?
We were founded in 1974 by Floyd and Viola Coder.
How many locations do you have? (Please list the cities)
We have six locations: Blasdell, N.Y. (main location); Tonawanda, N.Y. (branch location); Bergen, N.Y. (branch location); Falconer, N.Y. (parts location); Erie, Pa. (parts location); PBS Sales & Service, Syracuse, N.Y., which is a division of Southside Trailer Service Inc., purchased in February 2024, and was a fellow HDA Truck Pride member.
Referrals, online recruitment, working with interns from local high schools and colleges.
What is your company’s value proposition?
Rule #1 – If we don’t take care of the customer, someone else will.
Do you offer any additional services to complement your parts offering?
We offer training seminars for our associates and our customers. PBS Sales & Service has a complete brake reline center. At all our locations, we offer parts and service to all light-duty and tow behind trailers.
How do you differentiate your business from your competitors?
We have more stores in a concentrated area, with an experienced, knowledgeable and [more] trained staff than any of our competitors.
What is the biggest challenge facing your business in 2025?
Remaining competitive in a very violent industry with changing tariffs, trade policies and global supply instability along with price fluctuations and keeping up in today’s market.
Why do you believe the heavy-duty aftermarket has nominated you for this award?
It’s simple. It’s the people at Southside and how we treat our customers, suppliers and associates and the relationships we have created.
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