Third-party reference tools

The heavy-duty independent aftermarket also is home to multiple third-party parts number databases. These platforms—which house hundreds of supplier catalogs within a single interface—allow you to find not only the aftermarket equivalent of a supplier’s factory-installed part, but also corresponding numbers for the same component across most aftermarket brands.

This alternative part information is incredibly valuable when the original component in question is a proprietary OEM brand you don’t stock. Rather than being forced to call an OEM or dealer, the system does the research for you. It tells you what you may have on hand that can fill your customer’s need.

MOTOR Information’s FleetCross tool fills this role at Midwest Wheel.

FleetCross allows users to search OEM, aftermarket and all-makes catalogs for on-highway, off-highway and industrial components and updates constantly and seamlessly with new supplier information, says Patrick Seeburg, product manager, truck group, at MOTOR.

The system “has been a cross reference star [for us] for the last several years,” Minor says.