The Work Truck Show & NTEA Convention preview: Work Truck Show returns to Indy, expecting a repeat of last year's event, which set records for attendance and exhibitors

Jan. 1, 2012
IT's working in Indy. It worked last year, when The Work Truck Show held in conjunction with the 47th annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA)

IT's working in Indy.

It worked last year, when The Work Truck Show — held in conjunction with the 47th annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis — broke all event records. Verified Show attendance was 10,020, a 24% increase over 2010 and a 10% improvement over the previous record of 9084 set in 2007. With an unprecedented 560 exhibitors occupying 16% more floor space than in 2010, The Work Truck Show 2011 was also the largest in the event's 12-year history.

It's expected to work this year. As this issue went to press, deputy executive director Steve Carey said registrations were tracking ahead of last year.

The NTEA loves Indy so much that it has committed to holding The Work Truck Show 2013 there for an unprecedented third straight year.

“Indianapolis works well for the event as it is very centrally located and provides easy access to a very high percentage of NTEA members and other industry professionals that both attend or exhibit in the event,” he says. “The downtown environment also provides a pleasant experience for those in attendance as the majority of the hotels and restaurants are either connected to or a short walk from the convention center. This allows all of the participants to easily connect with one another and conduct business outside of scheduled Work Truck Show hours.”

Produced annually by the NTEA, The Work Truck Show showcases over 500,000 square feet of Class 1-8 vocational trucks and equipment. The event also features more than 40 educational and technical training programs. Work truck professionals, including fleet managers, equipment buyers, maintenance personnel, manufacturers, distributors and dealers attend.

“They recognize that this is their best opportunity to find the latest trucks and equipment, as well as industry-specific education and training,” executive director Jim Carney says.

In response to demand from attendees and exhibitors, show floor hours will be extended for the event, which runs March 6-8. The NTEA Annual Convention, educational sessions, and Green Truck Summit kick off March 5. The show floor will open 30 minutes earlier on Tuesday, March 6, and Wednesday, March 7. The show will be open from 10:30 am to 5 pm both days. Show hours on Thursday, March 8, remain unchanged at 9 am to noon.

“The Work Truck Show has always been the industry's best venue to strengthen business connections and see the newest product developments and technology solutions,” says Frank Livas, NTEA 2012 convention chairman and senior vice president of Brake & Clutch Inc in Salem, Massachusetts. “We're excited to provide attendees even more time to make face-to-face connections and examine the thousands of products on display.”

The Opening Reception is March 5 from 6:30 pm-9 pm at the JW Marriott Indianapolis Downtown.

All in the family

Former President George W Bush will be the keynote speaker at the President's Breakfast & NTEA Annual Meeting on March 7. The 43rd president of the United States will offer his insights into the challenges facing our nation in the 21st century, the power of freedom, the role of faith, and other timely and pressing issues. President Bush will be the second former US president to address The Work Truck Show. His father, President George HW Bush, was the keynote speaker in 2004.

“President Bush led this country through times of great economic growth, as well as times of national tragedy,” Livas says. “It is a privilege to have him address our members and event attendees. We look forward to hearing his reflections on the presidency and his thoughts on leadership and decision-making.”

Truck equipment distributors will have the opportunity to learn how to improve their businesses through lean principles in a special session, “How Truck Equipment Distributors and Small Manufacturers Can Deploy Lean Principles to Maximize Productivity,” on Monday, March 5, from 9 am-noon. The session covers techniques and takeaways for effectively implementing lean concepts.

With the understanding that companies are constantly under pressure to improve operational performance and reduce costs, the Special Session reveals eight specific wastes that lean targets and several common countermeasures that can be implemented for significant productivity gains‥ The session is led by Mark Sessumes, lean product manager for TMAC in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Show's educational conference includes more than 60 training sessions offering competitive strategies, technical insights and regulatory updates.

“In this competitive business environment, companies need an edge to succeed,” Livas says. “This year's educational sessions are designed to help distributors learn techniques for improving their businesses on a number of different levels, from customer service to inventory management. Investing time in Work Truck Show educational sessions is truly investing in the future of your company.”

The Show will once again max out available space at the Indiana Convention Center to provide show attendees with access to 21 environmentally friendly vehicles during the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive. Equipment demonstrations of electric PTOs and similar technologies also will take place in a stationary display area adjacent to the outdoor Ride-and-Drive course.

The Green Truck Ride-and-Drive is open to all Show attendees on Tuesday, March 6, and Wednesday, March 7, from noon-4:30 pm. A fixture of The Work Truck Show since 2007, the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive gives Show attendees the opportunity to experience cutting-edge technologies and energy-efficient vehicles firsthand. This year's event includes a wide range of environmentally friendly drive systems, including CNG, propane, battery-electric, extended range electric, ultra-clean biodiesel, bi-fuel CNG, electric hybrids (series and parallel), and hydraulic hybrids. Some of the vehicles will also feature lightweight and aerodynamic technologies that further reduce the vehicle's fuel consumption.

“Driving a truck under real-world conditions provides insights into the vehicle that you can't get any other way,” says Bob Johnson, NTEA fleet relations director. “You can experience for yourself the vehicle's handling characteristics, sounds, user-friendliness and more. If you're interested in green vehicles, be sure to allow time in your Show schedule for the Ride-and-Drive.”

A lot of choices

A variety of work trucks will be represented in the Ride-and-Drive, including cargo and service vans, pickup trucks, dump trucks, shuttle buses, walk-in vans, tree-trimming trucks, utility trucks, box trucks, cutaways and more. The Ride-and-Drive is sponsored by Hino Trucks.

The Green Truck Summit includes 22 breakout sessions, five general sessions and two keynote addresses over a day and a half. The first general session, “Trends in Work Truck Technologies and Fuels,” led by Doyle Sumrall, NTEA senior director of business development, and John Boesel, president and CEO of CALSTART, covers upcoming changes that will affect the vocational truck industry. The discussion will cover new clean technologies and fuels, as well as new vehicle efficiency and emissions standards. This session takes place at 9 am on March 5.

Three panels of technology experts and experienced fleet managers take the stage on Monday for the general sessions “Gaseous Fuels: A Successful Alternative,” “Work Truck Electrification: Leveraging the Ultimate Clean Fuel,” and “Watching the Bottom Line: Technologies for Increasing Fuel Efficiency and Eliminating Fuel Waste.” These panel discussions combine information about the latest technologies available with real-world deployment experience.

Day two of the Green Truck Summit kicks off with the keynote address “Roadway to Fuel Independence and Air Quality Improvement in North America and Globally.” Russell Musgrove, managing director of FedEx Express, provides insights based on his global company's experience using sustainable technologies to position itself for the future. This presentation takes place at 8:15 am on March 6.

The final general session of the Green Truck Summit explains recently announced regulations (scheduled to take effect in 2016) and details how companies can prepare to meet them. “A New Generation of Clean Work Trucks: Understanding the EPA and NHTSA Joint Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Work Trucks” is moderated by Darren Gosbee, engineering director at Navistar Inc and includes a panel of experts from the EPA and NHTSA. This session takes place at 8:45 am on March 6.

Green truck technology is also highlighted in several other areas of the Work Truck Show, such as the CALSTART Clean Technologies and Fuels Pavilion. In addition, exhibitors with products that improve fuel utilization, are environmentally friendly, use recycled materials and/or support environmentally sustainable practices are profiled throughout the hall as part of the Green Product Showcase.

Fleet management professionals in any industry or government agency may benefit from the expanded Fleet Management Symposium.

In the Symposium, consultant Kelly Walker, president of Kelly Walker Associates, and Bob Johnson, fleet relations director for the NTEA, teach methods to drastically improve fleet and shop productivity while reducing costs. The Symposium runs from 9 am-4 pm March 7, and continues on March 8 from 9 am-noon.

Fleet managers are also invited to an exclusive Training Session & Networking Luncheon covering “Implementing a Complete Fuel Management Program to Increase Performance and Reduce Costs” on March 9 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

Symposium registrants will receive the FleetWhiz CD ($500 value), which helps managers make better, quicker management, purchase, and outsource decisions on a daily basis. The CD includes 36 Business-Fleet-Shop-Parts-Fuel-Employee-Supplier-Mobile Workforce Management Textbooks covering 2500 topics over 7500 pages.

Session participants will also receive the NTEA Vehicle Life-Cycle Cost Analysis CD ($85 value), which assists fleet managers in the evaluation of vehicle acquisition cost scenarios, including “what if” scenarios, and admission to all remaining Work Truck Show concurrent educational sessions ($329 value).

Here is a preview of the sessions by area of interest:

MANAGEMENT

Changing of the Guard: Millennials and Generational Differences in the Workplace, March 5, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: Each generation brings new skills, perspectives, and challenges to the workplace. Today's youngest generation in the workplace, millennials, are taking different approaches to problem-solving, communicating, and decision-making than previous generations. The role of technology has had a major impact on the lives of millennials as well. This session will review the latest trends of millennials in the workplace and compare them to other generations; review different technologies, including social media, that are large parts of millennials' lives; and offer recommendations on how to manage millennials in the workplace. Presenter: Jeanna Mastrodicasa, assistant vice president of student affairs, University of Florida.

State of the Industry Overview — The NTEA Perspective, March 5, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: The truck equipment industry is evolving faster than at any other time in history. Learn how to navigate the twists and turns of today's marketplace with insights into the current trends dramatically impacting our industry. Gain an understanding of how the current US and global truck industries are changing and driving evolution through the global channel. Most importantly, find out how these elements will impact your company. Presenters: Tim Campbell, managing director, Campbells Commercial Vehicle Marketing Group (Leyland, Lancashire, England); and Steve Carey, deputy executive director, NTEA.

The Ins and Outs of Federal Excise Tax Implications for Work Trucks, March 5, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: Mistakes in applying and collecting Federal Excise Tax (FET) can be costly. Learn how seemingly simple errors can make your company (not the purchaser of the truck) financially liable. Hear the current status of FET laws and requirements applicable to the work truck industry and get answers to all of your questions regarding which truck bodies and equipment are taxable or non-taxable. Better understand your responsibilities for payment and collection of this tax, whether you are a supplier or a buyer. Find out the tax implications for the sales of chassis, truck bodies and equipment, trailers, parts, and accessories. Understanding these rules and regulations can help you reduce your risk, lower your tax burden, improve your bottom line, and allow you to be more price-competitive. Also, learn about the NTEA's FET publication, a comprehensive reference manual for the work truck industry. Presenters: Michael Kastner, senior director of government activities, NTEA; Bob Raybuck, director of technical services, NTEA; and Mark Sidman, Weiner Brodsky Sidman Kider PC (Washington, DC).

Government Regulatory Implications for the Work Truck Industry, March 5, 3 pm-4:15 pm: With laws and regulations changing on a consistent basis, make sure your company stays on top of current issues affecting the work truck industry. Learn how the government's latest requirements are impacting your organization and what you should expect in the future. Presenters: Kastner and Raybuck.

What is the Future Economic Landscape for the Work Truck Industry? March 5, 3 pm-4:15 pm: Review current data and forecasts for truck sales and end-user markets with expert analysis from the NTEA's staff economist. Discover where the truck equipment market is headed, identify expected trends and learn what role the US and international economies play in short- and long-term business cycles. Also, review current NTEA statistical and forecasting information. Presenter: Stephen Latin-Kasper, director of market data and research, NTEA.

How Can Truck Equipment Manufacturers and Distributors Minimize Their Litigation Risk? March 6, 8 am-9:15 am: During this session, an attorney from Bowman and Brooke LLP, a nationally recognized products liability defense firm, will discuss lessons learned during recent litigation and ways to protect your company in similar situations. Topics will include: a shift in litigious focus for equipment manufacturers and distributors; the importance of a well-developed accident response plan for equipment manufacturers and distributors; the effectiveness of warranties and disclaimers as a form of defense; the top three things business owners are concerned about with regard to their own product liability; things companies can do internally to reduce their product liability risk; and insurance products that can address those specific concerns Presenters: Becky Harding, CPCU, director of association programs, JD Fulwiler & Co Insurance (Portland, OR); Michael R Carey, associate, Bowman & Brooke LLP (Minneapolis, MN); and Gene Rappe, senior underwriter, Travelers Insurance Company (Portland, OR).

Build Your People Strategy First, March 6, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Steve Miller thinks the business world has fallen victim to ADSO: Attention Deficit, SHINY OBJECT! So much attention is focused on technology's nifty new tools, like Facebook, Twitter, Groupon and Google+ that we're losing focus of the most important and age-old Rule of Business — it's all about the people. In this session, Steve will remind, refresh, and re-stress those strategies needed to build true people-driven relationships in today's “shiny object” world. Presenter: Steve Miller, marketing strategist, The Adventure LLC (Federal Way, WA).

Making Vehicle Investment Decisions Using Life-Cycle Cost Analysis, March 7, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Financial constraints often force fleet managers to choose between two or more investment alternatives. A net present value (NPV) life-cycle cost analysis can determine the actual return on investment for each alternative which will, in turn, allow you to make the best long-term investment decisions. This session will show you how to make accurate NPV life-cycle cost studies using the NTEA's Life-Cycle Cost Analysis spreadsheet programs. Presenter: Bob Johnson, director of fleet relations, NTEA.

Old Rules/New Tools: Staying People-Focused Using Today's Technology, March 7, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Technology isn't going to slow down, and new communication tools hit the streets literally every day. You can't afford to be left behind, right? But if your company is like most, you struggle with learning, using and balancing all these amazing tools while maintaining personal relationships with your customers. What's a company to do (especially if you don't have a big budget)? Presenter: Miller.

SALES

How Engaging Customers Can Improve Your Business, March 6, 8 am-9:15 am: Customers are no longer just recipients of your products and services — they are now considered partners in your company. Or, at least, they should be. With today's Internet technology advancements and worldly awareness, it is imperative that you build an ongoing dialogue with your customer base to stay ahead of the competition. In this hands-on workshop, techniques will shared that are used by organizations that have successfully transformed customer feedback into strategies and protocols for individual and organizational improvement. Participants will have the opportunity to: learn the five key areas of concern among customers; develop customer feedback processes that build relationships as well as business opportunities; learn how to utilize daily interactions with staff to identify and address customer concerns in a way that accentuates the positives and diminishes the negatives; build customer awareness as a part of new employee orientation; and develop strategies for improvement based on customer feedback. Presenter: Jep Enck, president, Enck Resources (Fort Collins, CO)

TECHNICAL

Demystifying Weight Distribution and Payload Calculations for Work Trucks, March 5, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: Weight distribution and payload calculations are critical in the utilization and design of commercial work trucks. Learn the ins and outs of vehicle weight distribution to safely and legally position equipment and payloads while maintaining regulatory compliance of the vehicle. Review sample weight distribution calculations and discuss the beneficial software tools designed to help you perform complex vehicle calculations. Session participants will also receive login information for a complimentary, 30-day trial of the NTEA's Weight Distribution Fundamentals online course.

Presenter: Richard Toner, principal, Toner Associates (Pentwater, MI).

Learning to Avoid Costly Truck Frame Modification Errors, March 5, 3 pm-4:15 pm: Examine basic truck frame characteristics and requirements needed for sturdy, expert mounting of truck bodies and equipment. Learn how the effects of welding and fastener usage can impact frame strength and durability, and identify ways to avoid modification mistakes that can lead to costly repairs. Session participants will also receive login information for a complimentary, 30-day trial of the NTEA's Weight Distribution Fundamentals online course. Presenter: Toner.

Optimizing Work Truck Body and Equipment Specifications, March 6, 8 am-9:15 am: When developing specifications for a new work truck, the process should be guided by a number of factors. These include the proposed unit's functional requirements, critical design limiters such as weight and size, operator safety, regulatory compliance, operating costs (including fuel) and environmental concerns. Other factors that should be addressed include maintenance considerations, company policies, labor agreements and, in some cases, resale value. Once these factors are properly identified and incorporated into the specifications process, the completed unit is more likely to provide both optimum performance and a safe working environment. Learn how truck specifiers can identify and use these critical factors to improve the design of work truck bodies and truck-mounted equipment. Presenter: Matt Stewart, senior automotive equipment analyst, Department of Fleet Management, City of Chicago (Chicago, IL).

Why Should I Care About Vehicle Certification? March 6, 8 am-9:15 am: Proper vehicle certification is much more than a simple label on your truck. Aside from being required by law, proper vehicle certification helps ensure a safe, reliable, and capable truck. Find out what goes into certifying a vehicle and how the appropriate label for a given truck is correctly completed. Learn about weight distribution, payload analysis, and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards — and why they matter to you. Whether you are an OEM, a body or equipment manufacturer, a distributor, a dealer, a truck purchaser or an operator, take advantage of this opportunity to learn how a truck is properly certified and how that certification can help you determine if a truck will be able to do the job that is needed. Presenter: Kastner.

Spec'ing Your Truck Powertrain for Optimum Efficiency and Performance, March 7, 9:30 am-10:45 am: When it comes to trucks, today's order of business is fuel economy. In order to optimize a truck's fuel efficiency, while still maintaining satisfactory performance, the powertrain components (engine, transmission, and drive axle) must be properly matched — both to the application and to each other. Far too many truck powertrains are spec'd by trial and error, past experience or just a gut feeling. Even when the individual spec'ing the powertrain avails themselves of an OEM's powertrain design program, truck performance criteria such as starting gradability and reserve gradability are often not properly identified. This session will cover the procedures for identifying truck performance criteria, determining torque and horsepower requirements, and matching the transmission and drive axle to the selected engine. Presenter: Joe Johansson, senior applications engineer, Allison Transmission Inc (Indianapolis, IN).

FLEETS

The Future of Fleet Operations, March 6, 9:30 am-10:45am: Rapid advances in technology, environmental issues, new regulatory requirements, financial pressures — all of these factors are impacting both the design of vehicles and the way fleet managers do business. What will a fleet operation look like in five years? Or in 10 years? Explore trends in vehicles (advanced technologies, hybrids, alternative fuels); management tools (telemetry, MRP systems); and regulatory controls to gain insight into the future of fleet operations. Presenters: Bill Burns, fleet operations manager, City of Columbus-Fleet Management Division (Columbus, OH), and TJ Reed, Director, product marketing, Freightliner Trucks (Fort Mill, SC).

The Next Generation of Work Truck Telematics, March 7, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Most people equate telematics with GPS, but newer telematics systems offer far more than just the ability to track a vehicle's location. This session will provide a general understanding of the telematics market and its segments (tracking versus routing versus monitoring) and identifying the right components and costs of a (useful) solution which will allow the small/medium-sized operator to reduce expenses and improve productivity. Presenter: Chris Ransom, director of product management, Networkfleet (San Diego, CA).

Truck Fleet Manager Training Session & Networking Luncheon: Develop Your Fleet Manager's Tool Box, March 7, 11:30 am-1:30 pm: By using technology solutions, you can gain greater insight into your overall fleet performance. Today's hands-on managers must leverage various technical tools at their disposal to effectively analyze and manage fleet performance. During this session, attendees will learn: how to use technology solutions to proactively analyze data for continuous improvement; strategies to leverage economies of scale, improve performance, and reduce costs; various modeling techniques to promote continuous improvement. Presenter: Steve Saltzgiver, group director of fleet operations, Coca Cola Refreshments Inc Fleet Operations (Atlanta, GA).

CHASSIS

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation — Chassis Update, March 5, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: During this session, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation will provide the most up-to-date technical information on chassis specifications and issues that can affect the installation of bodies and equipment. Participants will gain insights into vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and designs.

Mack Trucks Inc — Chassis Update, March 5, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: Mack will present an up-to-date overview of its vocational truck lineup, including the new Mack Medium Heavy Duty model, with special emphasis on chassis configurations and options available to spec' Mack Trucks for body upfit. Mack will also share updates on its powertrain product offerings and emissions technology.

Nissan North America — Chassis Update, March 5, 3 pm-4:15 pm: During this session, Nissan North America will provide the most up-to-date technical information on chassis specifications and issues that can affect the installation of bodies and equipment. Participants will gain insights into vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and designs.

Peterbilt Motors Company — Chassis Update, March 5, 3 pm-4:15 pm: Peterbilt will present firsthand technical information on chassis specifications, design, body installation, and equipment mounting options.

Western Star Trucks — Chassis Update, March 5, 3 pm-4:15 pm: During this session, Western Star will provide the most up-to-date technical information on chassis specifications and issues that can affect the installation of bodies and equipment. Participants will gain insights into vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and designs.

International Truck — Chassis Update, March 6, 8 am-9:15 am: During this session, International will provide the most up-to-date technical information on chassis specifications and issues that can affect the installation of bodies and equipment. Participants will gain insights into vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and designs.

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc — Chassis Update, March 6, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Isuzu will provide the latest technical product information on its 2012 model year N-Series chassis and the 2012 model year Reach commercial van.

Ram Trucks — Chassis Update, March 6, 8 am-9:15 am: Ram Truck builds on its leadership in the commercial vehicle market with an innovative lineup of best-in-class hard-working trucks to meet small business and fleet commercial needs. During this session, Ram Trucks will provide the most up-to-date technical information on chassis specifications and issues that can affect the installation of bodies and equipment. Participants will gain insights into vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and designs.

Ensuring Your Next Truck Chassis Matches the Job Requirements, March 6, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Matching a new truck chassis to the application requirements is critical. If you downsize too much for fuel efficiency, you risk an overloaded chassis. If you over-spec the chassis to reduce maintenance costs, you may end up with an overpriced unit with poor fuel economy. This session will help you get it “just right” by optimizing fuel efficiency, achieving full regulatory compliance and improving vehicle performance. Essential design issues will be addressed, including frame selection; axles and suspensions; vehicle performance and powertrain design considerations; accessory component selection; payload analysis; weight distribution; and completed vehicle certification. Other considerations such as the potential use of hybrids; alternative fuels (including electricity); and advanced fuel use reduction technologies will also be discussed. Presenter: Robert J Aquaro, vice president, TARA Commercial Vehicle Consulting Services, Inc (Lake Placid, FL).

Ford Commercial Truck — Chassis Update, March 6, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Ford Commercial Truck will present firsthand technical information on chassis specifications, design, body installation, and equipment mounting options. Freightliner Trucks — Chassis Update, March 6, 9:30 am-10:45 am: During this session, Freightliner will provide the most up-to-date technical information on chassis specifications and issues that can affect the installation of bodies and equipment. Participants will gain insights into vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and designs.

Hino Trucks — Chassis Update, March 6, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Learn about the new features of the 2013 model year Hino conventional trucks. Hino will also present the detailed specs of its Class 4 and 5 COEs.

Chevrolet & GMC Commercial Truck — Chassis Update, March 7, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Representatives will present technical information on Chevrolet and GMC chassis specifications as they relate to design, body installation, and equipment-mounting options. Attend for the most up-to-date technical information on issues that can affect body and equipment installation, along with alternative fuel solutions being offered by GM. Participants will gain insights into vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and operation.

Kenworth Truck Company — Chassis Update, March 7, 9:30 am-10:45 am: During this session, Kenworth will provide the most up-to-date technical information on chassis specifications and issues that can affect the installation of bodies and equipment. Participants will gain insights into vocation-specific options to help optimize body and equipment installation and designs.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. — Chassis Update, March 7, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Mitsubishi Fuso will review the recently introduced Class 3-5 Canter FE/FG-Series trucks, covering all technical product information, including chassis specifications and body installation and mounting options. Updates and changes for the 2013 model year will be presented as well.

What's on the agenda

Sunday, March 4, 2012Noon-5 pm Registration Open Monday, March 5, 20127 am-5:30 pm Registration Open 8 am-6:15 pm Green Truck Summit 9 am-4 pm Fleet Management Symposium 9 am-noon Special Session — How Truck Equipment Distributors and Small Manufacturers Can Deploy Lean Principles to Maximize Productivity 1:30-2:45 pm Concurrent Educational Sessions — • Changing of the Guard: Millennials and Generational Differences in the Workplace • Demystifying Weight Distribution and Payload Calculations for Work Trucks • State of the Industry Overview — The NTEA Perspective • The Ins and Outs of Federal Excise Tax Implications for Work Trucks Chassis Updates —
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp
Mack Trucks, Inc 3-4:15 pm Concurrent Educational Sessions — • Government Regulatory Implications for the Work Truck Industry • Learning to Avoid Costly Truck Frame Modification Errors • What is the Future Economic Landscape for the Work Truck Industry? Chassis Updates —
Nissan North America Peterbilt Motor Company Western Star Trucks 6:30 pm-9 pm Opening Reception: JW Marriott Indianapolis Tuesday, March 6, 20127 am-5 pm Registration Open 8-10:45 am Green Truck Summit 8-9:15 am Concurrent Educational Sessions — • How Can Truck Equipment Manufacturers and Distributors Minimize Their Litigation Risk? • How Engaging Customers Can Improve Your Business • Optimizing Work Truck Body and Equipment Specifications • Why Should I Care About Vehicle Certification? Chassis Updates —
International Truck
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc
Ram Trucks 9 am-noon Fleet Management Symposium 9:30-10:45 am Concurrent Educational Sessions — • Build Your People Strategy First • Ensuring Your Next Truck Chassis Matches the Job Requirements • The Future of Fleet Operations • The Ins and Outs of Lean for the Truck Equipment Industry Chassis Updates —
Ford Commercial Truck
Freightliner Trucks
Hino Trucks 10:30 am-5 pm Trade Show Open 12 pm-4:30 pm Green Truck Ride-and-Drive 2-4:30 pm Work Truck Show 2013 Exhibitor Sign-up (Platinum, Gold Silver & Bronze) 3-5 pm Special Session — YEN Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception Wednesday, March 7, 20127 am-5 pm Registration Open 7:30-9:15 am President's Breakfast & NTEA Annual Meeting 9:30-10:45 am Concurrent Educational Sessions — • Making Vehicle Investment Decisions Using Life-Cycle Cost Analysis • Old Rules/New Tools: Staying People-Focused Using Today's Technology • Spec'ing Your Next Truck Powertrain for Optimum Efficiency & Performance • The Next Generation of Work Truck Telematics Chassis Updates —
Chevrolet & GMC Commercial Truck
Kenworth Truck Company
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc 10 am-5:30 pm Work Truck Show 2013 Exhibitor Sign-up 10:30 am-5 pm Trade Show Open 11:30 am-1:30 pm Special Session — Truck Fleet Manager Training Session & Networking Luncheon (Offered exclusively to fleet managers) Noon-4:30 pm Green Truck Ride-and-Drive Thursday, March 8, 20128 am-noon Registration Open 9-11:30 am Work Truck Show 2013 Exhibitor Sign-up 9 am-noon Trade Show Open Schedule is subject to change.
All events take place at the Indiana Convention Center, except where noted.

NTEA Exhibitor List

Exhibitor Name Booth # 300 Below Inc 2433 A L Lightech Inc 3953 A&A Manufacturing Co Inc 3066 A. L. Hansen Mfg Co 5061 A.R.E. Accessories LLC 4388 ACARI Engineering 2119 Access Roll-Up Cover 4593 Adrian Steel Company 1403 Aero Industries Inc 3259 A-G Body Inc 5345 AireDock 3885 Air-Flo Manufacturing Inc 2235 Airworks Compressors Corp 5783 Akro-Mils Inc 5649 Alan International Technology Ltd Co 3273 Alcoa Wheel Products 5847 Alemite 5861 All Power Supply 5549 Allison Transmission Inc 4275 Ally Financial Inc 2441 Altec Industries 2215, 5269 AlumiTank Inc 2152 American Eagle Accessories Group (See ad p. 76) 4639 American Express OPEN 5761 American Midwest Fleet Solutions 5450 Amerimax Building Products Inc 5276 Ampliroll Hooklifts - Marrel Corp 636 Anthony Liftgates Inc 4581 APSCO Inc 4959 Aqua Blast Corp 5485 Arctic Equipment Manufacturing Corp 3465 Arctic Fox 2216 ARI - Automotive Resources International 2303 ASA / Voyager Cameras 3981 ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) 637 Astoria Industries 5959 AT&T 5868 Auction123.com 5670 Auto Crane Company 1023 Auto Meter Products Inc 5957 Autoequips Tech Co Ltd 5646 Automotive International Inc 622 Autotherm 5470 Avery Barron Industries 3372 B&W Trailer Hitches 4995 BAE Systems 5359 Baldwin Filters 738 Bauer Compressors Inc 715 BEAU-ROC Inc (See ad p. 33) 4339 BEDNET Cargo Restraint Systems 5075 Bedslide/Takit 5752 Bennett DriveAway 3976 Bergstrom Inc 5277 BeStar Technologies Inc 4783 BESTPASS Inc 5792 Better Built 943 Bezares USA 2218 Bibeau Enterprises 4873 Blizzard Snowplows 3059 Blue Ox 3172 Blue Ridge Manufacturing 4773 BOLT By STRATTEC 3781 Bosch Rexroth Corporation 4181 Boss Industries Inc 1418 Bostik Inc 3558 Brand FX Body Company 3519 Brandon Truck Equipment Inc 917 Brenntag 5473 Bright Automotive 5740 Bucher Hydraulics Inc 1619 Buyers Products Company (See ad Cover 2-p. 3) 4659 C.E. Niehoff & Co 826 Cadet Truck Bodies 3425 CALSTART 5261 Canadian Transportation Equipment Association 734 Canimex Inc 916 Cargo Ease 5974 CargoGlide 5787 CARR 5584 CASECO Manufacturing Inc 1901 Cast Products Inc 5060 CCV 624 Cequent Performance Products Inc 5547 Certified Power Inc 5053 Champion Pneumatic 3985 Chelsea Products Div of Parker (See ad Cover 4) 3011 Chemline/GatorHyde 5580 Chevrolet & GMC Commercial Truck 1829 Cinch Connectors 2116 Cirus Controls LLC 4081 Clean Cities - U.S. Dept. of Energy 3605 Clean Seal Inc (See ad p. 70) 3010 Cleveland Hardware & Forging Co 4739 CM Truck Beds 4791 Collective Data 4991 COMEQ INC (See ad p. 80) 1321 Compressed Air Systems LLC 3267 Conception GSR Inc 816 Convoy Technologies Inc 727 Cougar Vibration, Div of Martin Engineering 4961 Covercraft (worktruckproducts.com) 4588 Coxreels 3877 CPI Divisions 5971 CR Brophy Machine Works Inc 5539 Crane Composites Inc/Kemlite (See ad p. 41) 2015 Crysteel Manufacturing Inc 3328 CTECH Manufacturing 4893 CTW 5090 Cummins Crosspoint LLC 5173 Cummins Inc 2101 CURT Manufacturing 5653 CVG - Bostrom & National Seating 2447 Cyclone Air Power 4150 Daimler Vans USA LLC 3565 Dakota Bodies Inc 5081 Dalton Hydraulic Cylinders LLC 2439 D-Brake LLC 2118 Dealer Solutions 5571 DEL Hydraulics Inc 5771 Delta Consolidated Industries 4781 DewEze Manufacturing 3338 DHP Power Packs LLC 2305 Diamond Roll-Up Door 3271 DiamondBack Truck Covers 5858 DICA 824 Dimensions/Sensata Technologies 5251 Donlen 5647 Donovan Enterprises 5058 Doosan Portable Power 2009 Dow Kokam 5374 DRM Diversafab 5377 DSM&T Co Inc 4780 DuraClass 3329 Dur-A-Lift Inc 5764 DuraPlate Products Group/Wabash National 5474 East Manufacturing Corporation 3014 Eberhard Manufacturing Co 1425 EBY Truck Bodies By MH Eby Inc 5151 ECCO Group 4551 Electric Vehicles International 5099 Elston Manufacturing Inc 2409 Esco Industries Inc 2437 Eskridge 1326 Espar Heater Systems 5268 Eureka Chemical Company/Fluid Film 838 Evans Cooling Systems Inc 5663 EZ Connector Inc 4176 F Barkow Inc 2431 Fabco Power 4784 Fabick Inc 5552 Fairview Fittings & Manufacturing Inc 2443 Falls Snow Plows 5677 Federal Signal Corp 4641 Fiber-Tech Industries Inc 5255 Fisher Engineering 4165 Flaming River Industries Inc 4082 FLD Inc 4785 Fleet Engineers 5447 Fleetilla LLC 739 FleetOwner Magazine 3050 Flink Co (See ad p. 72) 1620 Flitz International Ltd 5358 FORCE America Inc 2045 Ford Commercial Truck 3439 FRAS-LE North America Inc 5776 Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation 4169 Freightliner Trucks (See ad pgs. 14-15) 3859 FrygyCube International Inc 808 Gardner Denver Inc 3987 General Services Administration Automotive 5077 General Truck Parts & Equipment 2401 Getec Inc (See ad p. 54) 4842 Glasteel 3028 Global Finishing Solutions 2121 Go Power! By Carmanah Technologies Corp 5177 Gold Eagle Company 3883 Golight Inc 1527 Goodall Mfg 3022 Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company 5559 GPS Insight 5742 Graphic Impressions Inc 2406 Greater Indiana Clean Cities 3607 Green Alternative Systems 5958 GreenRoad Technologies 5749 Grote Industries 3659 GS North America LLC 2436 GVM Snow Equipment 729 Hamsar Diversco Inc 5364 Hannay Reels Inc 5642 Hansen International Inc (See ad p. 69) 5161 Harrison Hydra-Gen 2411 Hella Inc 2307 Henderson Products Inc 4045 Hendrickson (See ad p. 17) 3419 Henkel Corporation (LOCTITE) 843 HercuLoc LLC 5750 Hillsboro Industries 3073 Hiniker Co 2025 Hino Trucks 4139 Hi-Way 5439 Horton Inc 709 Hydro Aluminum 2353 HYVA USA Corporation 617 Illinois Auto Truck Company Inc 5751 IMMI/Cargo Buckle 711 IMPCO Automotive 5465 Innovative Access Solutions 3269 InPower LLC 4080 Insta-Chain 4180 Insurance Auto Auctions 4589 InterMotive Vehicle Controls 3464 International Truck 4359 Iowa Mold Tooling Co Inc 3345 Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc 4747 ITW Plexus 705 J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers 4941 J&S Coatings Inc 3777 Jame Rollform Products 2351 Jammy Incorporated 5871 Jason Industries Inc 2339 Jasper Engines & Transmissions 623 JD Fulwiler & Co Insurance 3603 Jergens Inc - Specialty Fasteners 2404 Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies (See ad p. 59) 3977 Jones Mfg 5947 Jotto Desk 3881 Jyco Sealing Technologies Corp 817 KampCo Steel Products Inc (See ad p. 18) 4154 Kargo Master Inc 5575 Karmak Inc 4676 Kenworth Truck Co 3039 Keystone Automotive Operations 3173 KISSLING Electrotec Inc 5867 Knapheide Manufacturing Company (The) 3739 KS Hydraulic Machinery Co Ltd 728 KTI Hydraulics Inc (See ad p. 62) 1519 Ladd Industries/Deutsch Industrial 5675 Leece-Neville 5094 Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products 1817, 3249 Leyman Lift Gates (See ad p. 65) 1718 LHP Software 726 Liftmoore Inc (See ad p. 82) 3411 Light Engineering Inc 703 Lightning Hybrids Inc 5468 Lincoln 5863 Lincoln Composites 5767 Link Manufacturing Ltd 4381 Littelfuse/Cole Hersee 733 LPI Inc 5953 Lucerix International Corp 4681 Luverne Truck Equipment 5966 M&L Trucking Services Inc 3166 Mack Trucks Inc 3939 MAFELEC 4587 Magnetic Applications Inc 5453 Mailhot Industries 4840 Maintainer Corp of Iowa Inc 5145 Manufacturers' Sales Agents 2120 Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) 2151 Manus Products 5096 Maranda Inc 907 Marion Body Works Inc (See ad p. 75) 3955 Master Lock 4590 Maxon Lift Corp (See ad p. 29) 1431 Maxwell Technologies 633 MCC Equipment & Service Center 4084 McLellan Industries Inc 3149 McNutt Auto Transport Service 3369 Metaris Inc 735 Meyer Distributing 5739 Meyer Products LLC 1605 MGM Brakes 2417 Mid-State Truck Equipment 3040 Midway Specialty Vehicles 5667 Midwest Truck & Auto Parts Inc 2400 Miller Electric Mfg Co 2335 Miller Industries 4992 Mitchell 1 5638 Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc 1809 Mobile Awareness LLC 3986 Mobile Power 5668 Mohawk Lifts 4489 Monroe Custom Bodies Inc 5587 MOR/ryde International 5788 Morgan Corporation 3219 Motiv Power Systems 5666 MOTOR Information Systems 5753 MTE Hydraulics 1626 Multi-Seal Corporation 3984 Muncie Power Products (See ads pgs. 11, 43) 3029, 3030 NAFA Fleet Management Association 724 NAFTC 5476 Nagy FleetNet Inc 5870 National Auto Mart 635 National Fleet Solutions 717 National Liftgate Parts Inc 3018 NBB Controls Inc 612 Networkfleet Inc 645 Networks Enterprises Inc 732 New Eagle 5375 Next Hydraulics S.R.L. 5065 NGVAmerica 5376 Nissan North America 1437 Noregon Systems Inc 5759 North American Signal Company 3036 NRG Dynamix 5572 NTEA - The Association for the Work Truck Industry (See ads pgs. 12, Cover 3) 3401 NTEA Demo Theater 3400 Odyne 5360 Omni Gear 5746 Onspot of North America Inc (See ad p. 71) 3155 On-Trux Ltd 2325 Opdyke Inc 5455 Optronics International (See ad p. 53) 5659 Orscheln Products LLC 5747 P.U. Tech Fender Flares 628 Pacbrake Co 616 Palfinger North America Group 1641 Pana-Pacific 3983 Paneloc Corporation (See ad p. 20) 3254 Parkhurst Manufacturing Co Inc 1531 PartnerShip 5172 Perfection Gear Inc - Subsidiary of Peerless Winsmith 5850 Performance Courseware Inc 5073 Permco 5352 Peterbilt Motors Company 2125 Peterson Manufacturing Co 3466 PEWAG Chain 4182 PG Adams Inc 2435 Phoenix USA Inc 4048 PNS Tech 1004 Pollak 2425 PolyBilt Body Company LLC 4683 Power-Packer Inc 2201 PPG Industries 4049 Pran Systems Inc 807 Premier Mfg Co 4475 Prime Design 4389 Pro-Hauler By MULTI-CART 5973 Propane Education & Research Council 5191 Protean Electric Inc 5371 Pro-Tech Industries Inc (See ad p. 19) 1921 Pro-Tech Manufacturing & Distribution 5181 PRO-VISION Video Systems 3366 Pulltarps Manufacturing (See ad p. 73) 5347 Quebec Ground Transportation Cluster 808 Quick Cable Corporation 5755 R4Tech Suspension By Sanluis Rassini 630 RAD Woodwork Co Inc 5869 RAM Mounting Systems 4674 Ram Trucks 1003 Ramsey Industries 1025 RC Industries Inc 3239 Reading Truck Body LLC 3527, 5380 Real Power/Contour Hardening Inc 4691 Rearview Systems LLC 2410 Reelcraft Industries Inc 4077 Reflexite Americas 639 Remy Inc 5475 Rhino Linings Corporation 5760 Rhodes Trailers & Truck Bodies 609 Ridewell Suspensions (See ad p. 42) 1315 RKI Inc (See ad p. 16) 3433 RMP Powertrain Solutions 600 Road Armor 601 Road Gear Truck Equipment LLC 4685 Roadmaster Tires (Cooper Tire & Rubber Company) 2408 Roadranger-Eaton Corp & Dana Corp 3511 Robert Hydraulique Inc 901 Roll-Rite LLC 2017 R-O-M Corporation 3760 Rontan Signals 4998 Rosco Inc 5350 Rotary Lift 3681 ROUSH CleanTech 5098 RSC Bio Solutions 5860 RUD Chain Inc 3032 Rugby Manufacturing Co 3229 Rumber Materials Inc 5275 Ryder Vehicle Sales 5848 S&S Truck Parts Inc 5291 Safeplast NA Company Ltd 5961 Safety Vision 3980 SAF-HOLLAND Inc 2209 Sage Oil Vac Inc 4087 Scorpion Protective Coatings Inc 642 Screen Graphics of Florida 5481 September Forged Wheels Inc 5866 Shanghai Xin Baien Industrial Co Ltd 2434 Sharpvision Co Ltd 701 Shepherd Insurance LLC 5969 Sherwin-Williams 5546 Shur-Co (See ad p. 81) 4880 Siemens Industry Inc 618 Signature Series Gas Springs 3368 Sika Corporation 5174 Silent Drive Inc 801 Smith Electric Vehicles 4187 Snow & Ice Management Association 3052 Sno-Way International Inc 1325 Sonar Safety Systems Inc 2423 Sonetics 643 Sonnax Industries 725 Sortimo NA 5087 SoundOff Signal 4148 SPD Division/Barnes Group Inc 4577 SPITZLIFT 5874 Spokane Computer Inc 3949 SSAB (See ad p. 9) 4686 STAHL/Scott Fetzer Co 1337 Star Headlight & Lantern Co Inc 5772 Steelweld Equipment Co Inc 3761 Stellar Industries Inc 4547 Stertil-KONI USA Inc 3167 Sto-Away Power Cranes Inc 2214 Stone Hydraulics 2442 Sun Power Technologies 5775 Sunfab North America 4575 Superior Signals Inc 5859 SuperSprings International Inc 3054 Superwinch LLC 5887 Supreme Corporation 4347 Sure-Fit Truck Racks 606 SUV Products Inc/MAXXMOTOR DC Power Products 627 Swampy Hollow Manufacturing LLC 3882 SwapLoader USA Ltd 4481 Swenson Spreader LLC 1805 Switch-N-Go/AmeriDeck 833 Syn-Tech Systems Inc/FUELMASTER 614 System Edstrom US 2109 TAFCO Equipment Co (See ad p. 35) 4951 TailGate Master Truck Steps 3067 Taylor Pump & Lift 3058 Techno-Fab 9000 Inc 813 TecNiq Inc 5567 Teletrac 4997 Telogis 4881 Tenco Machinery Ltd 4673 Tendaire Industries Inc 5789 Terex Utilities 5159 Terminal Supply Company 2345 The Advance Metalworking Co Inc 5855 THE BOSS Snowplow 825 The Gledhill Road Machinery Company 5553 The Godwin Group 3213 The Mudflap Jack 3071 Thieman Tailgates Inc (See ad p. 61) 5041 Thule - UWS/TracRac/DEWALT 3471 Tiger Cranes 4884 Timbren Industries Inc (See ad p. 50) 3243 Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau 3074 Titan Fuel Tanks 5777 TKO Graphix 5487 TNT Transport Service 5846 TODCO 1432 Tommy Gate Company 1419 Topper Manufacturing Co 5643 Towmaster Inc 5581 Trailer/Body Builders (See ads pgs. 47, 55) 2421 Transfer Flow Inc 3342 Transglobal Inc 3880 Trilogy Machinery Inc (See ad p. 71) 5875 TriMark Corporation 4269 Trim-Lok Inc 610 Triple Crown Products 721 Tripp Lite 2427 Truck Accessories Group - LEER Fleet / Pace Edwards 3129 TruckCraft Corp 3373 Truck-Lite Co LLC (See ad p. 36) 3250 TruckOffice MobileDUZ 800 Transportation Safety Technologies Inc/Riverside Mfg LLC 1717 TUF-TUG Products 4495 Turbo Technologies Inc 5543 Turtle Top 5766 Tuthill Drive Systems 4375 U.S. Truck Body 4055 UD Trucks North America Inc 3119 Ultimate Power LLC 2115 Unicell Body Company (See ad p. 51) 1801 Unity Manufacturing Co 5655 Unlimited Services 4990 US Tarp 3252 USIMAX Inc 1002 Utilimaster Corp 4647 Utility Products 5651 Valk Manufacturing Company 4741 Valley Engineering Inc (See ad p. 68) 5639 Valley Manufacturing LLC 743 Vanair Manufacturing Inc (See ad p. 67) 3759 VanDyne SuperTurbo 4899 Vanguard Manufacturing (See ad p. 38) 4841 Vanner Inc 5263 Van's Electrical Systems 5270 Velvac Inc 3481 Venchurs Vehicle Systems 5975 Venco/Venturo/Ferrari Truck Cranes 1303 VERSALIFT 3370 VHD Equipment Network LLC 4891 VIA Motors Inc 5459 VIBCO Truck Vibrators 5854 Victron Energy 2413 VMAC - Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors (See ad p. 32) 4967 Vulcan On-Board Scales (See ad p. 62) 5169 Wallace Forge Co (See ad p. 37) 3361 WALTCO Lift Corp 3341 Warn Industries Inc (See ad p. 48) 5339 Warner Bodies 3049 Warner Plastics & Liners Inc 2403 Warren Inc 4370 Watson & Chalin Mfg 3559 Wausau-Everest L.P. 3070 WD-40 Company 5744 Weather Guard/Knaack 1233 Webasto Product North America Inc 5687 WELDEX Corporation 4897 Weller Reman 2445 Wescon Products 3459 Western Mule Cranes 4738 Western Products 2141 Western Star Trucks 1045 Westport LD 5491 Whelen Engineering Co Inc 2135 Whiting Door Manufacturing Inc (See ad pgs. 44-45) 3365 Wilcox Bodies Ltd 2035 WorkSafe USA Inc 4594 WorkTruck Transport 5444 WW Engineering Inc 3581 Xantrex Technology Inc 1331 YSN Imports Inc 625 ZAPI Inc 5367 Zinga Industries Inc (See ad p. 31) 2429 Zip's Truck Equipment Inc 5883 Zolatone Industrial 2114 Zone Defense LLC 832
About the Author

Rick Weber | Associate Editor

Rick Weber has been an associate editor for Trailer/Body Builders since February 2000. A national award-winning sportswriter, he covered the Miami Dolphins for the Fort Myers News-Press following service with publications in California and Australia. He is a graduate of Penn State University.