Name: Allstate Peterbilt of St. Paul, Minn.
Environmental/”going green” efforts: Allstate Peterbilt has worked with the manufacturer to aid its customers in understanding real world financial and operational considerations involved with alternative trucking fuel technology. It has partnered with customers, suppliers and industry representatives to provide a platform for sharing information, knowledge and best practices for reducing their carbon footprints.
Additionally, the company has started a demo program with a supplier of natural gas for their customers, with the expectation the program will reach 15 units.
Community and civic responsibility: For the last two years, Allstate Peterbilt Group has supported the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots annual charity drive in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area. The company serves as the primary transportation agency for the effort by providing drivers, tractors, trailers and straight trucks. Allstate Peterbilt Group transports the donated toys from the drop location to the local warehouse. Allstate’s internal Toys for Tots program has also donated more than 500 toys and the company has already committed its support to the Marines’ 2013 efforts.
The company’s dealer system also supports various local charities and efforts.
Customer education: Sales staff approach customers from a consultive perspective with the primary goal of “understanding the customer’s business and needs first.” Sales representatives work to identify the combination of products and services best suited for a customer’s needs.
Additionally, for the third consecutive year, the company’s Cleveland location has produced the Great Lakes Truck Expo. A multi-day event, the Expo lists education among its key offerings. The company is exploring the possibility of additional Expos in its other markets based on the success of Great lakes.
Staff education and training: Sales staff are continuously trained. Service techs receive on-going manufacturer training. Staff members, through Best Practice sharing and regular customer feedback from the company’s Customer Satisfaction Index, are constantly seeking opportunities to improve performance and customer satisfaction. The company’s current CSI rating is 98 percent.
In 2012, the company spent more than $440,000 on training. The St. Paul location made up 25 percent of the total.
Marketing: Allstate Peterbilt Group markets itself through industry events and show – both attending and producing; industry advertising channels; customer and manufacturer advertising campaigns; standardized brand development and recognition initiatives; participation as members of multiple industry associations; on-going geographic expansion across the upper Midwest.
