The Heavy Duty Parts Report

Send us Fan Mail Episode 322: Tracking parts cost trends is vital in the heavy-duty parts industry. The last 6 months of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 were flat or even down for many heavy-duty parts companies as the freight recession affected the industry. Encouragingly, there seems to be an uptick in activity over April and May which gives us hope of better months ahead. Our featured guests...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 321: In this week’s episode we start by talking about 3 common ideas in heavy-duty parts that need to be challenged. First, how total cost of operation should be considered over purchase price. Second, how salespeople are not usually able to both capture new business and nurture existing business; these take separate skill sets and different personality traits. Third, how...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 320:  When you sell heavy-duty parts, you often sell a lot of the same lines as your competitors. How do you make your company stand out? One way is by finding ways to invite your customers into your business and making them partners of your success. This week we spoke with Curt Westphal from HDA Truck Pride and Jason Rose from Midwest Wheel, and we are going to hear a gre...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 319: Group training and coaching can be great for not only learning more about a specific topic but also gaining perspective by hearing other’s experiences. Learn about Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation's remote group training programs which foster knowledge-sharing and mentorship in the truck parts industry. Our host Jamie Irvine also interviews Curt Westphal, Direct...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 318: In a heavy-duty business, maximizing productivity involves using data to make decisions and take needed action. By making the most of data, heavy-duty companies can work more efficiently and save time and money. Join the conversation with our host Jamie Irvine, and featured guest, Brian Mulshine, Sr. Director of Maintenance at Trimble, as he shares how harnessing tech...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 317: We're thrilled to announce that The Heavy Duty Parts Report is now presented by the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation. Our consulting company works with manufacturers, distributors and repair centers to solve problems in their business. Our featured guest, Len Gonzalez, Director Aftermarket of Sales at MGM Brakes, has spent over 40 years helping fleets lower thei...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 316: We have two heavy-duty experts ready to share the most important tips for heavy-duty people to succeed in the industry. Get ready to take notes because we’re talking about business relationships, fundamental skills needed to stay relevant, and how to adapt to ever-changing technology in the industry. Join this heavy-duty roundtable conversation with our host Jamie Irv...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 315: This episode announces the recipients of the HDPR scholarship for WyoTech students. Dalton Fisher and Blake Klamm, aspiring diesel technicians, are highlighted for their embodiment of heavy-duty traits. They understand the importance of our industry and are answering the call for more qualified technicians. We all know the trucking and heavy-duty industry is the backb...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 314: Join us on an electrifying journey as our host, Jamie Irvine, interviews renowned engineer Ali Javidan, CEO and Founder of Range Energy. Javidan sheds light on the importance of electric trailers for fleets and on how they support drivers to feel confident and comfortable on the road. With his extensive experience and collaboration history with Elon Musk at Tesla, Jav...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 313: At TMC 2024, we interviewed exhibitors who highlighted innovative solutions for fleets in the trucking industry, focusing on fuel efficiency, clean air systems, and streamlined maintenance. These advancements are vital for cutting operational costs, minimizing downtime, and ensuring regulatory compliance, ultimately improving your overall bottom line. Join us this wee...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 312: We were happy to attend this year’s TMC annual meeting in New Orleans, and we have the latest news on how the industry is embracing technology to solve common problems heavy-duty people face. In this episode, Jamie Irvine interviewed industry leaders who have used technology to create solutions that increase efficiency. Join us as Matthew Harris, VP Account Management...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 311: We recently attended the Technology and Maintenance Council’s (TMC) spring meeting in New Orleans where we had the opportunity to delve into the forefront of innovation in the trucking industry. Our host Jamie Irvine had the chance to interview subject matter experts about how the trucking industry is expanding and embracing advancements in technology to mutually bene...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 310:  This heavy-duty roundtable discussion features David Seewack, CEO & Founder of FinditParts, Dan Millar of Hinton Transportation Investments, and Jamie Irvine, sharing their passions, highlighting the importance of building meaningful relationships and encouraging young people to be a part of the industry. Together, they dive into the logistics and challenges of s...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 309: The heavy-duty industry is evolving, and mandates are steering the industry towards more environmentally friendly solutions. In the first part of our episode, Jamie Irvine talks about mandates for reduced NOx emissions and the phasing out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the plan to replace them with electric vehicles (EVs). But do EVs have what it tak...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 308: At HDAW’24, we had the privilege of sitting down with some of the heavy-duty industry’s biggest names. Kent Jones, President of SAF-Holland, shared exclusive insights into their merger with Haldex. Additionally, Tim Bauer, VP of Aftermarket for North America at Eaton, and Cengiz Shevket, President of Aftermarket Sales for North America at SKF, discussed their cutting-...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 307: Challenging the status quo in the heavy-duty parts industry can lead to greater opportunities for companies today. Learning to reinvent while staying true to core values is the key. In today's dynamic business environment, embracing innovation and reinvention is crucial because it enables you to optimize operations, stay competitive, and drive greater efficiency...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 306: This year, HDAW24 displayed people's resilience and hope for the future despite ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflation struggles that leave us feeling uncertain. This episode highlights upcoming changes in MEMA with Collin Shaw, engine rebuilding with Bill Mirth from IPD Parts, and product diversification with Blake Deavers from WAI Global. By staying inf...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 305: If you’re looking to join an industry and have a career, you should consider working in the heavy-duty parts industry. In this episode, we interview two industry veterans, Joe Mejaly, former Vice President Aftermarket of Cummins-Meritor, and David Seewack, CEO & Founder of FinditParts. Both of these men have decades of experience, and they emphasize the importance...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 304: Manufacturers of heavy-duty parts and their distributors must work closely together to get the parts the trucking industry needs to keep trucks and trailers rolling. In this episode, we’ll discuss the 5 ways every manufacturer should support their distributors to maximize sales, customer satisfaction, and increased operational efficiency. Our featured guest is SAMPA U...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 303: In the heavy-duty industry, employees need specific skills, knowledge and safety practices to operate efficiently. So, whenever we hear businesses say they are too busy to send their employees for training, it’s a bad thing! Without proper training, the entire company will face operational challenges, reduced employee morale, and even lose out on profit. Strategically...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 302: Technology on commercial trucks continues to become more complex as more advanced electrical systems are developed. This is changing the demands on the charging system. Alternators need to be high-output and high-performance to meet the needs of the modern semi-truck. Jonathan E. Smith is the Business Development Manager and Marketing Manager of Prestolite Electric. I...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 301: In the old days, batteries for heavy-duty trucks had an easy job. They powered the starter to start the truck and they provided power for the interior lights, the radio, and maybe the clock on the dashboard. These days, batteries are tasked more than ever before. They power HVAC components, safety components, and the many computers inside a modern-day truck. If your b...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 300: Join The Heavy Duty Parts Report as we mark our 300th episode. We’re revisiting our inaugural episodes, including our early interview with Marathon Brake Systems and many milestone episodes along the way. Hear about the stories and strategies that have helped reduce the total cost of operations for fleets, the partnerships that have flourished, and the community we&ap...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 299: Historically speaking Melissa Petersmann (The Diesel Queen), is not your average diesel technician. But we think that she is an example of the future of heavy-duty. The more young talented people we can attract to the industry the better. In this episode, you will hear Melissa’s story and she breaks down the barriers that she had to overcome to become a diesel technic...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 298: We’re exploring the latest changes in diesel engine rebuilding. We'll be talking with John Douglas, President of MAHLE Aftermarket North America, and Felipe Fequer from the MAHLE North America Division about the shift from aluminum to steel pistons for better efficiency and power. We'll cover the details of this technology and discuss how battery-electric ve...