Truckload companies’ maintenance workflow could mean the difference between profit and loss

Improving efficiency within maintenance offers the biggest potential for improved profitability of any category within a trucking company. That’s why one of this summer’s TCA Profitability Program (TPP) seminars is all about maintenance workflow.

“Being organized and scientific about your maintenance pays huge dividends,” TPP Program Manager Chris Henry said. “Without a doubt, it can mean the difference between a loss and profit in any given month.”

Participants will spend time reviewing typical maintenance processes, sharing best practices and exploring ways to improve their own workflows. The seminar is scheduled for June 27 in Chicago, Illinois.

Topics of discussion will also include properly managing maintenance data, creating better workflows for service personnel, keeping inventory levels at a minimum and reducing downtime through preparation and planning.

Maintenance costs are highly variable from company to company, according to Henry. This is because maintenance efficiency is so heavily dependent on who a company hires to get the job done.

“The first trait you should look for in a maintenance director is organization,” Henry said. “The ones with cleanest shops and the best inventory management processes are the ones that are going to have the lowest maintenance expense.”

Henry also emphasized the importance of keeping maintenance up to date and keeping fleets in the best shape possible.

“The longer you wait to address maintenance, the more the potential liability grows,” he said. “If someone is looking at buying a trucking company, probably the first thing they’ll look at is average tractor age. It is better to be on top of your maintenance and have newer equipment.

The maintenance workflow seminar, like all TPP seminars, is open to the public. Attendees do not need to be TPP participants or TCA members to attend. The seminar will give non-members a glimpse into how TPP Best Practice Groups operate, and there will be a strong emphasis on active discussion.

While non-members are welcome to attend, Henry said there is also plenty to gain for active TPP participants. The seminar will give TPP Best Practice Group members the chance to interact with people and companies outside of their usual group, engaging in active discussion and sharing best practices.

Click here for more information or to register for the Maintenance Workflow & Best Practices Seminar.

Featured

Jun 2, 2021

Updated CDC, OSHA guidance on mask wearing

Jun 2, 2021

Although new guidance on mask wearing returns the industry to some semblance of normalcy after over a year of lockdowns and restrictions, employers should remain cautious in revising policies.

Jun 2, 2021

Jun 1, 2021

Everything – including VMT – is bigger in Texas

Jun 1, 2021

While Texans are accustomed to living life free of excessive state-level taxes, they were in for a shock when their own U.S. Senator, Republican John Cornyn, used his national platform to advocate for the establishment of a truck-only vehicle miles traveled tax.

Jun 1, 2021

May 28, 2021

“As I See It” from the Trucking Activist – Scarce commodity

May 28, 2021

As we discuss ways to improve the sales relationship between carrier and shipper, the term “commodity” always comes up. Most carriers feel being a commodity diminishes the services they provide. It doesn’t have to be that way.

May 28, 2021

May 27, 2021

TCA to offer workshop series on leadership communication strategies for worker retention

May 27, 2021

Three-part workshop series to focus on effective leadership communication strategies to motivate and retain your essential workers.

May 27, 2021

May 26, 2021

ATRI plans studies on marijuana, younger drivers

May 26, 2021

The nation’s top trucking research group plans to update previous studies on the effects of legalized marijuana and other drugs on truck safety along with integrating 18- to 20-year-old drivers into the industry.

May 26, 2021

May 21, 2021

Detention time woes? It’s time to do something about it.

May 21, 2021

Throughout the entire 90-year history of trucking in the United States, excessive detention has been a scourge on the industry. An upcoming 90-minute immersive workshop will share tools and strategies to combat this issue and keep the wheels moving and profitable.

May 21, 2021

May 19, 2021

Ninth Circuit allows enforcement of California’s AB5 against motor carriers

May 19, 2021

While a request for Supreme Court review of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to overturn an injunction banning enforcement of California’s AB5 will almost certainly follow, at this time, motor carriers who operate in California must be prepared to act in accordance with AB5.

May 19, 2021

May 15, 2021

Safety is more than a tagline

May 15, 2021

The word “safety” is everywhere in the trucking industry. It is talked about nearly every day in the press, Congress has zeroed in on it, and most carriers will say that it is their top priority. With all this attention, it’s easy to believe that safety has become cliché. But it’s not.

May 15, 2021

May 12, 2021

Colonial Pipeline impact: Diesel shortages are rare so far

May 12, 2021

A day after Colonial Pipeline said there was light at the end of the tunnel for the line’s closure due to a cyberattack, the impact of the shutdown on the ground is being felt.

May 12, 2021

May 10, 2021

Operation Safe Driver Week is scheduled. Here’s what inspectors will look for

May 10, 2021

Truck drivers and fleets have two months to prepare for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual Operation Safe Driver Week, which is set for July 11-17. Here is what inspectors will be looking for.

May 10, 2021