Explore every episode of the podcast The Heavy Duty Parts Report
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Safety Culture Drives Enterprise Value | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:30:59 | |
Episode 379: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine interviews Brian Fielkow, former CEO of Jetco Delivery and author of Making Safety Happen, about why safety should be viewed as a core business value rather than a compliance requirement or a business priority. Brian explains that strong safety cultures improve employee retention, operational discipline, customer loyalty, profitability, and enterprise value while reducing risks, insurance costs, and costly incidents. He emphasizes that safety must be leader-driven, embedded into daily operations, reinforced through meaningful communication, and supported by practical, well-understood processes rather than paperwork alone. Drawing on his experience building and selling a successful logistics company, Brian argues that companies committed to safety create more stable, scalable businesses that attract aligned employees and customers. He concludes that safety delivers one of the highest returns on investment available to business leaders and that lasting success begins with leadership commitment. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Cracking the Core Code | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:24:24 | |
Episode 378: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine speaks with Brent Dinger of SRC Reman about the challenges and opportunities associated with remanufactured parts and core management. They discuss how inaccurate cross-references, limited industry-standard data, damaged or unidentified cores, rising freight costs, and inconsistent ERP systems create difficulties for distributors, repair shops, and remanufacturers. Brent emphasizes the importance of accurate core identification, proper handling of cores as valuable assets, and stronger validation processes by remanufacturers to prevent costly mistakes. Brent explains why remanufacturing remains a growing and valuable part of the heavy-duty industry, offering cost-effective, high-quality products that can sometimes outperform original equipment due to engineering improvements based on real-world failure analysis. Links
Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| How Fuel Quality Impacts Fuel Economy, Engine Performance & Maintenance Costs in Modern Diesel Fleets | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:22:46 | |
Episode 377: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine speaks with Jessica Crabtree, Director of Technical Services, and Garth Redifer, Vice President of Sales at Power Service, about how fuel quality directly impacts fuel economy, engine performance, emissions systems, and maintenance costs in modern diesel fleets. They explain how changes in diesel fuel, including ultra-low sulfur diesel, biodiesel, and renewable diesel blends, have increased the importance of managing fuel quality, lubricity, injector cleanliness, and fuel storage practices. The discussion highlights how poor fuel quality can lead to injector deposits, clogged fuel filters, excessive DPF regenerations, reduced fuel economy, increased downtime, and premature wear of fuel system components. The guests emphasize the value of fuel testing, preventive maintenance, proper fuel storage, and the use of quality fuel additives to improve reliability and lower total cost of operation. They also share real-world results showing significant gains in fuel economy and reductions in regeneration events through effective fuel treatment programs. Links
Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| The Art of Parts Identification and the Impact on Your Customers | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:31:01 | |
Episode 376: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, our host Jamie Irvine speaks with Joe Steward, General Manager of Betts Truck Parts and Service, about the ongoing challenges of heavy-duty truck parts identification. They compare the catalog-based methods of the past with today's digital tools, discussing how modern trucks have become significantly more complex. The conversation explores the costly impact of misidentified parts across the supply chain, including vehicle downtime, missed customer commitments, lost profitability, and strained business relationships. Joe explains how service providers often go to extraordinary lengths to source the correct part and keep trucks operating, while also highlighting the growing reliance on technology, online catalogs, cross-reference systems, and vendor training to compensate for shrinking industry experience. Both agree that while technology has improved access to information, expertise, attention to detail, and strong customer service remain critical to getting the right part the first time.
Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Brake Safety Week 2026: The True Cost of Brake Violations | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:26:24 | |
Episode 375: Host Jamie Irvine is joined by Katie Benet, Strategic Account Manager, and Bruce Williams, Senior Director at Marathon Brake Systems, to discuss the upcoming Brake Safety Week and the significant business and safety consequences of brake-related violations. Using industry inspection data showing that over 15% of inspected vehicles were placed out of service for brake defects, the discussion highlights how inadequate maintenance, deferred repairs, and the use of low-cost components can lead to breakdowns, lost revenue, customer dissatisfaction, higher operating costs, and increased liability. The guests stress that brakes must be viewed as a complete system, with regular inspections, documented maintenance programs, and timely repairs serving as the foundation of both fleet safety and profitability. They also remind fleet operators that while economic pressures may encourage cost-cutting, brake maintenance is one area where investing in safety and reliability delivers substantial long-term benefits for businesses and everyone sharing the road. Links
Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| How to Promote High Performing People in Your Heavy-Duty Parts and Service Company | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:35:39 | |
Episode 374: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, Jamie and Jennifer Irvine discuss the challenges and opportunities of promoting employees from within a heavy-duty repair business. Jamie emphasizes that strong performance in one position does not automatically translate into success in a leadership, supervisory, or sales role. The conversation explores how technicians, lead technicians, shop foremen, service writers, parts professionals, managers, and salespeople each require fundamentally different personality traits, strengths, and workplace behaviors. Jamie stresses the importance of understanding employees’ natural abilities, maintaining ongoing career-development conversations, and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to advancement. He recommends using the personality assessment tool, Traits to help place the right people in the right roles, improve retention, and create career paths that maximize both employee satisfaction and business performance.
Links
Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Shotgun Repairs: Why Technicians Guess and Customers Pay | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:33:16 | |
Episode 373: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, Jamie Irvine and co-host Jennifer Irvine explore the problem of shotgun repairs—when technicians replace multiple parts based on assumptions rather than identifying the true root cause of a vehicle issue. They examine how modern commercial vehicles have become significantly more complex making accurate diagnostics more challenging and increasing the risk of unnecessary repairs, downtime, and lost revenue.
Drawing on insights from Derek Ness of Dash Mechanical, Jamie explains that not all technicians have the same aptitude for diagnostics and that shop owners must identify individual strengths, invest training resources strategically, and ensure technicians are assigned to the right roles.
The discussion concludes with practical recommendations for repair shops, including measuring comebacks, evaluating technician capabilities, creating standardized diagnostic procedures, training staff and customers, and building a culture focused on “right part, right fix, first time” to improve reliability, customer trust, and long-term profitability.
Links
Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| The Numbers Every Repair Shop Should Be Tracking | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:30:15 | |
Episode 372: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine speaks with Josh Ross, CEO of Truck Genius, about how repair shops can turn operational data into profit. Josh explains how Truck Genius helps shops unlock valuable insights from Fullbay data, making it easier to track key performance indicators, improve accountability, and identify profit leaks. The discussion explores the growing role of AI in analyzing repair shop data, highlighting how tools can surface actionable recommendations, monitor technician performance, optimize inventory management, and automate routine tasks. Josh emphasizes that metrics such as gross profit per hour can have a significant impact on profitability and shares examples of shops improving financial performance simply by measuring and managing the right numbers. Both Jamie and Josh agree that the future belongs to repair shops that embrace data-driven decision-making, leverage AI, and focus on proactive management rather than constantly reacting to problems. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Scaling a Heavy-Duty Parts Business in 2026 | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:19:10 | |
Episode 371: In this episode, Paul Kunz of Precision Fleet Maintenance discusses his journey from running a side service truck to building a full-scale heavy-duty repair, shop, and parts distribution business driven by a desire to support his family and serve customers better. He explains the challenges of entrepreneurship in the trucking industry—from fear and long hours to managing growth, hiring, and implementing systems—while emphasizing the importance of family values and strong team culture. The conversation also explores the transition into parts distribution and the complexities of supplier relationships, culminating in the announcement of a new partnership with The Hub Corporation, bringing innovative wheel-end technology to customers and reinforcing the critical link between service providers and manufacturers in keeping fleets on the road. Links · Episode 356: Reinventing the Hub Cap with XTRACTOR Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Stop the Leak: How Heavy-Duty Shops Can Turn Missed Leads into Revenue | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:32:01 | |
Episode 370: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine and guest Jason Kramer from Cultivize, discuss how heavy-duty repair shops, fleets, and service providers can dramatically improve revenue by eliminating “leaks” in their sales pipeline. They explain the critical difference between marketing funnels and sales pipelines, emphasizing that most lost opportunities stem from a lack of structured processes rather than insufficient tools. Many businesses invest in marketing but fail to track ROI or consistently follow up with leads, resulting in missed conversions and wasted effort. By documenting workflows, implementing disciplined follow-up (often through automation), and maintaining accountability, companies can capture significantly more business over time—sometimes even closing deals months or years later—while gaining valuable insights into why they win or lose jobs and continuously improving their approach. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Detroit Gen 6 Engines: What EPA 2027 Really Means for Fleets | 25 May 2026 | 00:27:41 | |
Episode 369: This conversation with Daimler Truck’s Mike Young explores the Detroit Gen 6 engine platform and how it prepares fleets for the EPA 2027 emissions standards by building on nearly 20 years of proven aftertreatment technology. Young explains that the Gen 6 engines focus on reducing NOx through improved thermal management, a new pre‑SCR system, as well as incremental enhancements carried over from Gen 5. These changes aim to maintain or slightly improve fuel economy depending on idling habits, reduce maintenance surprises, and ensure technicians and parts suppliers experience minimal disruption. With millions of test miles already accumulated and careful planning for dealer and service‑network readiness, the Gen 6 platform is positioned as a reliable, efficient evolution rather than a disruptive overhaul. Links · Detroit Gen 6 Engine Gen 6 Engine | Demand Detroit · Daimler Truck North America Start | Daimler Truck North America · Daimler Truck (global) Home | Daimler Truck Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Using Fleet Data to Reduce Risk and Improve Profitability | 11 May 2026 | 00:29:04 | |
Episode 368: Fleet Advantage’s Brian Antonellis joins our host Jamie Irvine to break down the “procurement paralysis” many fleets are experiencing due to uncertainty, rising costs, and rapid changes in equipment strategy. Antonellis explains how years of supply chain disruption, upcoming EPA 2027 emissions regulations, and volatile fuel prices have created hesitation around replacing aging equipment—even as older trucks become significantly more expensive to operate. He highlights the critical importance of understanding a fleet’s true operating economics, especially fuel efficiency degradation and escalating repair costs, and discusses how predictive maintenance, safety technology advancements, and choosing the right financial structure (ownership vs. leasing) can help fleets reduce risk and make confident decisions. The conversation emphasizes that fleets can overcome paralysis by focusing on data, lifecycle costs, and strategic planning rather than small, low‑impact cost‑cutting measures. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Reducing Fleet Alignment Costs with Mobile, Rack-Free Technology | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:28:24 | |
Episode 367: In this episode, Jamie Irvine talks with Jon Barganier and Spencer Wilson from Allpart Supply about the hidden costs and operational challenges caused by truck and trailer misalignment and frame issues. They explain how misalignment leads to excessive tire and fuel expenses, premature wear on suspension components, and even driver fatigue, while also creating major liability risks for fleets. Jon and Spencer describe how Allpart Supply’s mobile alignment system differs from traditional rack‑based setups by allowing accurate alignments anywhere—without pits, level floors, or large shop space—and how this reduces downtime, labor, and liability for fleets. They also discuss their 3D frame‑measurement technology, the often‑overlooked importance of trailer alignment, common misconceptions from fleets, and the extensive training and ongoing support they provide to ensure technicians can perform alignments quickly and effectively. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Fullbay’s 2026 State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report: Trends & Challenges | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:39:29 | |
Episode 366: The episode reviews Fullbay’s State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report, with Jamie and Jennifer Irvine discussing key industry insights drawn from 900 survey respondents and data from 3,400 Fullbay users. They explore trends such as the aging workforce, the growth of new repair shops, and the typical shop size and rates. The conversation highlights labor rate increases, technician wages, safety practices, benefits, seasonal workload patterns, training methods, and challenges in hiring and retention. They also examine parts‑purchasing behavior, opportunities for shops to improve systems, culture, and financial planning, and the growing interest in AI for diagnostics and training. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize opportunities for shop owners to improve operations, expand strategically, and adapt to industry changes. Links · Fullbay_State_Of_Heavy_Duty_Repair_Report_2025_2026.pdf Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Why Modern Heavy-Duty Trucks Demand Tougher Batteries | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:25:36 | |
Episode 365: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, Jamie Irvine interviews Daniel Jones, Application Engineer at EnerSys, about how modern heavy‑duty trucks place far greater electrical demands on batteries than ever before. Jones explains the evolution from flooded batteries to AGM and now to thin plate pure lead (TPPL) technology, highlighting how today’s vehicles—with telematics, sensors, HVAC, and hotel loads—require batteries capable of deeper cycling, faster recharge rates, and better performance in partial state of charge. He introduces the new Odyssey Evolution ODV31 battery, which offers improved cycle life, strong cranking power even at low voltage, enhanced vibration resistance, and integrated Odyssey Connect Bluetooth monitoring for proactive maintenance. The conversation emphasizes how fleets can reduce downtime, extend service intervals, and move from reactive to predictive maintenance using advanced battery technology and real‑time data. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Aftermarket vs. Dealership: Bridging the Gap in Heavy-Duty Parts & Service | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:39:25 | |
Episode 364: This episode explores the evolving relationship between dealerships and the independent aftermarket in heavy‑duty parts and service, highlighting how rising equipment costs, advancing technology, technician shortages, and tight freight markets are forcing fleets to make smarter decisions about where they source parts and repairs. Jamie Irvine, joined by Jeremy Smallwood and Chris Norris of KEA Advisors, compares the strengths and weaknesses of both channels—dealers leveraging telematics, OEM support, and improved customer communication, while the aftermarket excels in flexibility, innovation, and entrepreneurial problem‑solving. They discuss pricing misconceptions, regional performance differences, the impact of economic cycles, and the growing need for both channels to invest in training, technology, and people. The conversation emphasizes that both dealership and aftermarket networks are essential for up-time, especially as equipment becomes more complex. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Without Data Standards, We Stall: The Issue Holding Back Heavy-Duty | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:37:42 | |
Episode 363: Jamie Irvine and Jonathan Larsen explore why data standards—especially cross‑references, fitment data, and images—remain a major challenge in the heavy‑duty parts industry, despite decades of progress in automotive. They discuss how standards like PIES and ACES work, why adoption has lagged in commercial vehicles, and how better data practices can reduce friction, improve accuracy, and strengthen the entire supply chain. They also examine cultural, competitive, and operational barriers that slow adoption, and emphasize that the future belongs to companies that build daily habits around maintaining high‑quality product data. As Jonathan puts it, “Create a habit of working on your data on a day‑in and day‑out basis.” Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| What We Learned at HDAD is Huge for 2026 | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:33:06 | |
Episode 362: In this episode, Jamie and Jennifer Irvine break down everything learned at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue (HDAD), exploring major industry shifts such as Daimler’s move from “e‑commerce” to a broader “digital platform,” heavy investments in facilities and consolidation, and the persistent challenges around cross‑reference data, fitment data, and images. They discuss OEM strategies around tariffs, nearshoring, and diversification, and they highlight candid market sentiment about the freight recession, supplier relationships, and the impact of the FleetPride–TruckPro merger. The conversation also covers insights from industry surveys, the importance of improving supplier communication and training, and the critical upcoming decisions on tariffs and the USMCA that will shape strategic planning for 2026 and beyond. As Jamie notes, “we can’t wait anymore,” emphasizing that companies are pushing forward with delayed projects despite uncertainty. Links · Episode 354 – Tariffs, Taxes and the Trucking Industry Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Inside HDAW 2026: The Show That Sets the Tone for the Heavy-Duty Industry | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:43:43 | |
Episode 361: In this immersive episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, Jamie Irvine takes listeners inside HDAW 2026 in Grapevine, Texas — the premier annual event that sets the tone for the heavy‑duty aftermarket industry. Jamie tours the venue, speaks with the three associations that co‑own the show, and uncovers the scale of the event. Through conversations with show organizers, distributors, and suppliers, the episode highlights the importance of collaboration, relationship‑building, and face‑to‑face meetings that drive strategic decisions for the year ahead. Additional interviews with industry leaders showcase how HDAW fosters learning, innovation, problem‑solving, and even major announcements. The episode reinforces HDAW as the industry’s “family reunion,” where community, networking, and business growth converge to shape the year. Links · MEMA.org · CVSN.org · PowertrainPlusTruckParts.com Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| What to Expect in Heavy-Duty Parts in 2026 | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:33:11 | |
Episode 360: In this episode, Jamie and Jennifer Irvine kick off 2026 by breaking down the biggest challenges and opportunities facing heavy‑duty parts businesses. They discuss the rapid rise of AI, the ongoing struggle to recruit and retain skilled people, and the critical need for strong marketing systems that actually convert leads. They share real-world stories, insights from their consulting work, and a five‑step plan for companies looking to grow despite rising costs, market volatility, and shifting customer expectations. The conversation emphasizes strategy, people, technology, and the importance of eliminating internal barriers that prevent sales and growth. Links · TRAITS Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Hybrid Power Transfer Case Technology: Bridging Conventional and Electrified Powertrains | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:31:35 | |
Episode 359: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, Jamie Irvine speaks with Aaron Rivers, CEO of Emotiv Mobility, and Tim Kelly, the company’s lead engineer, about their development of a hybrid power transfer case designed to modernize commercial vehicle electrification. Aaron explains how the idea emerged from recognizing the limitations of all‑electric commercial vehicles—especially in vocational applications where range, idle time, and auxiliary power needs make full electrification impractical. Tim breaks down how the system captures rotational energy from the transfer case to generate usable electric power, improving efficiency, reducing fuel and maintenance costs, and enabling new operational flexibility. The conversation explores engineering challenges, OEM interest, the importance of education in technology adoption, and the broader role commercial vehicles play in supporting society. The episode closes with a look at future enhancements and a call to recognize the critical role commercial vehicle innovation plays in global mobility. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Upgrade Your Warranty System and Improve Your Customers' Buying Experience | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:34:04 | |
Episode 358: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, Jamie Irvine speaks with Bryan Thueson of OptiCat and Moritz Mahler of TecAlliance about the long‑standing challenges in warranty processing across the heavy‑duty parts industry. They explain how manual, inconsistent, and inefficient warranty workflows create high process costs, poor transparency, customer frustration, and inaccurate quality tracking for both distributors and suppliers. Moritz describes how TecCom’s standardized digital warranty platform—already widely adopted in Europe—streamlines claim creation, centralizes communication, integrates with ERPs and e‑commerce systems, and reduces claim processing time to under 90 seconds. Bryan highlights the improved customer experience, reduced costs, and better data accuracy that come from adopting a unified system rather than each supplier building their own. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| From Repair Shop to Full Parts and Service Location | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:30:37 | |
Episode 357: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine speaks with John Whittet, Chief Customer Officer at Fullbay, about the growing trend of repair shops expanding into parts distribution. They discuss how shops often begin by stocking basic items for their own repairs and then evolve into full parts and service providers, driven by customer demand for one-stop solutions. Whittet highlights challenges such as inventory visibility, pricing control, and workflow alignment, emphasizing how Fullbay’s cloud-based platform helps shops manage real-time inventory across warehouses, retail counters, and mobile service units. The conversation also explores the impact on staffing, the need for process mapping, and the importance of balancing cash flow with inventory management. Ultimately, the episode underscores that while expanding into parts distribution adds complexity, with the right systems and practices, shops can scale successfully and meet modern fleet expectations. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Reinventing the Hubcap: How XTRACTOR Protects Fleets | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:37:19 | |
Episode 356: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine sits down with Chris Miller, President of The Hub Corp, to discuss the launch of their groundbreaking XTRACTOR™ hubcap. Unlike traditional hubcaps that simply seal the wheel end, the XTRACTOR™ introduces a built-in multi-stage magnetic and mesh oil filtration system designed to actively remove contaminants from hub oil. Chris explains how dirty hub oil leads to premature wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and costly downtime, particularly for small fleets. By combining advanced filtration with a patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge for easier servicing, The Hub Corp aims to lower total cost of operation and extend component life. This conversation highlights how innovation in even the smallest parts can have a massive impact on fleet performance and profitability. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Selling Heavy-Duty Parts Online: eCommerce, AI, and More | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:45:45 | |
Episode 355 : In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine speaks with Kris Harrington, CEO of GenAlpha, about how buying habits in the heavy-duty parts industry have evolved over the past five years. They discuss the acceleration of digital sales channels driven by customer expectations for convenience, speed, and accuracy, emphasizing the need for businesses to provide self-service, remote, and in-person options. Harrington highlights common misconceptions about e-commerce—such as viewing it only as a shopping cart—arguing instead that a digital platform should serve as a comprehensive business transformation tool offering product information, service history, and efficiency gains. The conversation also explores challenges with ROI measurement, internal adoption, and competitive pressures, while differentiating GenAlpha’s Equip360 solution as industry-specific, consultative, and continuously evolving. Finally, they address the role of AI in discoverability, customer support, and productivity, stressing that companies must adapt to remain competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Tariffs, Taxes and the Trucking Industry | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:32:22 | |
Episode 354: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine interviews Bill Frymoyer, Vice President of Public Policy at MEMA, to explore the impact of recent U.S. government policies on the heavy-duty trucking industry. They discuss the positive effects of tax reforms that encourage investment, but raise concerns over increased H-1B visa fees that hinder access to skilled labor, especially in engineering and technology. Frymoyer highlights the disruptive nature of rapidly changing tariffs, including new ones on steel, aluminum, and potentially heavy-duty trucks and parts, which threaten supply chains and competitiveness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preserving trade to maintain strong economic ties between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and calls for balanced, common-sense policies to support innovation and stability in the trucking sector. Links · MEMA.org Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Lifting Safely, Supporting Strong: Heavy-Duty Tools for Trucking Industry | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:32:30 | |
Episode 353: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine speaks with Rick Hanna, Business Unit Leader at SureWerx, about the critical importance of safety when lifting and supporting commercial vehicles. Rick shares insights from recent shop visits where near misses highlighted the need for proper lifting practices, emphasizing the dangers of load shifts caused by fuel tanks and uneven weight distribution. The conversation also covers the importance of planning safety into every job, especially in smaller operations, and how SureWerx provides hands-on support, after-sales service, and product development driven by technician feedback. Rick concludes by underscoring that the ultimate goal is ensuring every technician goes home safely at the end of the day. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Smart Brake Actuators and Sensor-Driven Safety | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:27:32 | |
Episode 352: In this episode, host Jamie Irvine interviews Randy King, National Sales Manager at MGM Brakes, who shares insights from his 47 years in the heavy-duty parts industry. The episode explores the differences between MGM’s brake actuator models and their vocational applications, highlighting innovations like the dual thread release bolt and external breather tube technology that enhance performance and durability in tight, debris-prone environments. Randy also discusses the growing adoption of air disc brakes, particularly in transit fleets, due to improved stopping distances and reduced maintenance costs. A key focus is MGM’s E-Stroke electronic brake monitoring system, which provides real-time diagnostics to detect issues like overstroke, dragging brakes, and sensor faults, helping fleets reduce downtime, prevent component damage, and improve safety. Links Sponsors of this Episode The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| Tariffs, Turbochargers, and Testing Criteria | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:28:06 | |
Episode 351: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, Jamie Irvine welcomes back Dan McClave, President of Switchblade Turbochargers. Dan is a returning guest on the show. If you want to learn all about the origin story of Switchblade Turbochargers and how they create fuel savings for commercial trucks, listen to episode 286 and episode 336. In episode 351, Dan discusses how their patented turbocharger design helps fleets reduce fuel costs. A recent three-month test with Flint Creek Transport showed a 12% improvement in fuel efficiency, with drivers reporting better performance and reduced turbo lag. The test was carefully controlled, using the same truck, driver, and routes to isolate the impact of the turbo upgrade. Dan also shares how recent tariffs have positively impacted their U.S.-based manufacturing business, encouraging fleets to source locally and avoid overseas supply chain risks. He outlines Switchblade’s three pillars of success—people, process, and product—and explains how empowering employees and streamlining operations have enabled the company to scale production and serve larger fleets. Show Notes: Visit HeavyDutyPartsReport.com for complete show notes of this episode and to subscribe to all our content. The Hub Corp: Introducing the new standard in wheel-end protection: The Hub Corp's revolutionary XTRACTOR™. The only line of heavy-duty hub caps with a built-in 3-Stage Magnetic Oil Filter that safeguards critical axle components under extreme loads for longer. And with the patent-pending HexThread™ cartridge, the XTRACTOR makes hub oil servicing and inspections faster, easier, and cleaner. The Hub Corp: Challenge The Standard. Visit TheHubCorp.com to learn more and join the waitlist. Fullbay: Fullbay is built for the heavy-duty world, giving your operation the tools to keep your fleet or independent repair shop running. Features like streamlined scheduling, real-time inventory tracking, technician efficiency insights, and detailed reports are how Fullbay helps shops reduce downtime and keep your vehicles on the road where they belong. Check out Fullbay.com/power to maximize your shop’s productivity. GenAlpha: Equip360 by GenAlpha helps manufacturers and distributors grow their parts sales and make life easier for their customers. With real-time insights into inventory, pricing, and order tracking, it keeps customers coming back. Plus, it saves time by automating routine tasks and making repeat purchases simple. Explore Equip360 at GenAlpha.com. Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| The Heavy Duty Parts Report Returns - What's Ahead | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:09:32 | |
Episode 350: The Heavy Duty Parts Report returns with a fresh start, hosted by Jamie Irvine, marking a new chapter for the podcast with a renewed mission and format. Backed by sponsors like The Hub Corp and the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation, Jamie shares his excitement about relaunching the show and expresses gratitude to the community for their support. The podcast now follows a bi-weekly schedule, allowing for in-depth discussions of industry-critical topics while maintaining high production quality. Visit HeavyDutyPartsReport.com for complete show notes of this episode and to subscribe to all our content. Sponsors of this Episode Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation: Find out how many “fault codes” your heavy-duty parts business has. Meet with us today. Visit HeavyDutyConsulting.com Disclaimer: This content and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, The Heavy Duty Parts Report may receive a commission.
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| The Secret to Business Success in Heavy-Duty | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:40:01 | |
Episode 349: Problems in business often start with a lack of systems. Our host, Jamie Irvine, shares clips from a past interview with Michael E. Gerber, author of The EMyth. They discuss the need to have systems and the idea that a real business is one that does not rely solely on the owner.
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| Innovative Products Save Fleets Money | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:31:56 | |
Episode 348: Finding solutions to common problems faced by fleets on their trucks takes innovation. Where does innovation come from? Usually from listening closely to the customer. Simple solutions are often the best. High Bar Brands is a group of innovative companies brought together with one mission – solving problems for heavy-duty fleets.
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| The Value of Premium Service: Lessons from Refrigerated Transportation | 02 Dec 2024 | 00:35:35 | |
Episode 347: Our guest this week is Colby Varley, Vice President of Sales at Advanced Transportation Services, who shares his expertise on the importance of premium services in the refrigerated transportation sector. He helps us understand why investing in high-quality service leads to better reliability and efficiency, and how this approach helps avert the hidden costs associated with cheaper, less reliable options.
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| A Tour of SAMPA USA Ahead of HDAW | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:43:18 | |
Episode 346: With HDAW 2025 coming up fast, we were thinking back to past HDAW trips. In 2023, while heading to HDAW, our host Jamie Irvine, was able to visit the headquarters of Sampa USA with a camera crew and interview some of their people as well as check out their warehouse. His interviews highlighted what makes Sampa USA stand out as well as their commitment to providing high-quality parts.
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| Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:32:42 | |
Episode 345: It can be difficult to stop and make a plan when you are busy in the day-to-day tasks of running your business. However, without a good plan, your business might struggle to grow. Transforming your heavy-duty parts business is not just about adapting to market trends; it's about mastering the art of strategic planning. Discipline in planning, as emphasized by Scott Boltz, Director of Consulting at the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation, prevents the distraction of chasing shiny objects and aligns the business with its core goals, which is critical for long term success.
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| “If You Bought It, A Truck Brought It” – New Program for the Independent Service Channel | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:30:34 | |
Episode 344: Having a strong ‘why’ for your heavy-duty parts company is critical for success. It also is what will guide you when faced with decisions and opportunities. In our That’s Not Heavy Duty segment, we discuss why working without purpose is not heavy-duty and how many employees would prefer working for a company that has purpose.
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| Do You Have the Right Battery for Winter? | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:35:32 | |
Episode 343: Proper planning can prevent poor performance in your heavy-duty parts business and can also reduce break downs on the side of the road. As winter comes, one of the ways to prepare is to make sure you have good batteries – on the shelf in your parts store, and in your vehicle.
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| DPF Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts | 28 Oct 2024 | 00:32:48 | |
Episode 342: We are happy to have captured this discussion with the now-retired Wayne Cochrane, past National Sales Manager of Redline Emissions Products. With many older ones retiring and leaving the industry, making sure we can still benefit from their years of experience is very important.
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| New Tariffs are Rocking the Heavy-Duty Parts Industry | 21 Oct 2024 | 00:41:08 | |
Episode 341: How are tariffs affecting heavy-duty parts companies? In this in-depth discussion, we talk about the history of tariffs, the real reasons behind them and whether they will go up in the near future.
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| New Options for Trailer Interior Lighting | 14 Oct 2024 | 00:32:54 | |
Episode 340: The team at SSR Lighting was encouraged to look into options for interior trailer lighting after safety concerns from companies like Ford. After trial and error and thinking through obstacles like forklift strikes, extreme weather, and batteries that can’t sit for months unused, they now have a great product that can light up the inside of any trailer.
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| How to Get the Right People in Your Parts Department | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:54:30 | |
Episode 339: At the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation, we have partnered with TRAITS to help you with your people and organization. Having the right people is so important when predicting the success of your heavy-duty business. TRAITS is a psychometric assessment tool that can help you evaluate your team based on their personality fit for their job.
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| The 3 Things Every Parts Manager Needs to Learn | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:41:15 | |
Episode 338: We’ve been working hard at the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation to create the only business development system of its kind that is exclusively dedicated to the heavy-duty parts industry. We are proud to announce that we have developed a training program specifically for Parts Managers.
Listen to the end for a discount on our new Parts Management course!
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| Change Your Life by Becoming an Owner Operator in the Trucking Industry | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:29:51 | |
Episode 337: Having the right people in your business is very important for success. The ‘right people’ must have a combination of experience and expertise, but more importantly, must have a great attitude and the personality traits needed to be successful in their role.
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| A Simple Approach to Turbochargers with Big Fuel Savings | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:39:26 | |
Episode 336: Financial headwinds are slowing the trucking industry down. Parts companies must improve their value proposition, and one of the quickest ways to accomplish this is to bring innovative products to the attention of customers and help them lower their total cost of operation. From the fleet’s perspective, finding ways to reduce costs and make their fleet more efficient is always a good strategy.
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| Correct Parts Identification Critical for Success in Repair Shops | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:38:43 | |
Episode 335: Technology is revolutionizing the heavy-duty parts industry, but how can it keep pace with the challenges of accurate parts identification? Join us as Joe Steward from Betts Truck Parts shares his experience of using modern tools, training, and exceptional customer service to bridge the knowledge gap left by retiring experts.
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| Low Voltage Batteries Essential for the Future of Heavy-Duty Trucks | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:29:09 | |
Episode 334: Technology is not only changing on commercial vehicles, but it is changing parts manufacturing and distribution as well. In our interview we will be airing a rerun of one of our most popular interviews in the last year from when our host visited the Clarios booth at AAPEX 2023 and talked about low voltage battery technology.
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| Brake Safety Week 2024 | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:22:35 | |
Episode 333: What if a simple brake inspection could save lives on the road? In this episode we talk about the life-or-death importance of Brake Safety Week, running from August 25th to August 31st, 2024. This safety week is organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
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| From Racing Go-Karts to Machining Parts for Peterbilt Trucks | 19 Aug 2024 | 00:23:02 | |
Episode 332: What happens when a passion for racing go-karts evolves into a career in the machining industry? Our featured guest Alan Speyrer, owner of AES Machine, transformed a love for problem-solving and machining into a successful business. Discover how a simple conversation about Peterbilt hood hinges led to him engineering superior machine parts.
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| Good For the Economy AND the Environment? | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:36:13 | |
Episode 331: When you run a heavy-duty parts and service business you are often faced with decisions where you have to weigh two competing things and make tough decisions. The trucking industry faces this on a national level. With so many new environmental regulations coming in, can the heavy-duty industry really come up with new technologies and products that are good for the economy AND the environment?
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| Take Advantage of Training by Horton | 05 Aug 2024 | 00:37:12 | |
Episode 330: In this episode we talk training – why it is so necessary, ways to make it accessible to employees and customers, and why some companies refuse to train their people. Our host, Jamie Irvine, starts by discussing 3 myths that some believe about training – namely that it is too expensive, not worth the time, or that it is inaccessible to their company.
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