Allen Jones, director of maintenance and equipment with auto hauler AutoLogistics, has been fixing trucks for more than 35 years and has experienced supply chain issues and parts shortages. He was in the midst of an effort to standardize the fleet with fewer suppliers, spec's and trailer configurations. At a spring meeting of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), he highlighted the ingenuity and resourcefulness of fleet maintenance managers to get through the worst parts shortages and supply chain disruptions the industry has seen in decades.
Buying used equipment
Jones Logistics has traditionally purchased new trucks, but with those unavailable, they began purchasing used equipment. Caitlin Dillon, senior manager of maintenance, explained the process as a major process change, with breakdowns, out of warranty, and more frequent repairs. The company also benefited from the availability of used trucks, as they could be put into service quickly and without having to turn down new business opportunities.
Sourcing parts online
Jon-Erik Butcher, fleet maintenance manager for Best Logistics Group, used the internet to find parts he couldn't get through traditional channels. He found truck parts on Amazon and online auction sites as a new source of replacement parts. He believes online sourcing is beneficial when you have a specific part number in hand, rather than relying on descriptions.
Rebuilding components
Best Logistics would rebuild parts from air dryers, fifth wheels, transmissions, rear-ends, and dash clusters for a quicker rebuild. Parts are compatible across different brands and fifth wheels may be compatible with another brand when rebuilt.
Trying new brands
Jones Logistics and Best Logistics Group used to be limited to one OEM, while Butcher purchased trucks of different makes and models. They are now considering diversifying their supply chain issues as parts from some manufacturers are more susceptible to shortages.
Working their contacts
Dillon leaned heavily on her sales reps for help finding parts. She suggested communicating challenges to reps early and often, and contacting other fleet managers to help her find needed parts. Butcher received help from reps who represent a different brand, and sometimes the sales reps were able to procure a compatible part from another brand. Parts like ABS valves, air-conducting components, brake parts, and air-conditioning components aren't always proprietary and can work across different truck makes.
Expediting pickups
She Butcher has sent a truck to get a part in Atlanta, had it dropped off in Charlotte, and got the truck needing the repair back on the road. He suggests using hot shot and courier delivery services to get the part completed faster, or even your own trucks. Overnight shipping can cost more and result in an additional day of downtime compared to picking the part up yourself.
