DID YOU KNOW THAT the Capitol Dome in Atlanta is layered in 43 ounces of pure gold that was mined in Dahlonega, Georgia — the site of America's first Gold Rush? Or that Atlanta's symbol is the Phoenix, a legendary bird of Egyptian mythology that rose from its own ashes with renewed strength and beauty?
Maybe not. But here's the most important bit of trivia regarding Atlanta: When the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) took The Work Truck Show there in 2003, it experienced a 10% increase in attendance over the 2002 show.
NTEA executive director Jim Carney said that “there was a positive atmosphere at the show” and that “it was obvious that business was getting done.”
And so it is that The Work Truck Show, held in conjunction with the 42nd Annual NTEA Convention, returns to Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center March 1-3.
The show is North America's largest gathering of vocational trucks and transportation equipment from Classes 1-8, including chassis, bodies, components, and accessories. Dozens of industry suppliers will introduce new products and product innovations at the show.
The event is open to manufacturers, distributors, fleet managers, leasing companies, truck dealers, buyers, and users of work trucks in all industries. Products from all aspects of the industry — including chassis, bodies, aerial devices, snow and ice control, accessories, and components — are featured at the show.
A number of new education resources debut in 2006, including free training on the show floor, a bonus session covering equipment upfits on 2007 emission-compliant truck chassis, and a forum on the future of work trucks. The popular Fleet Management Symposium and the Truck Fleet Manager Training Session and Networking Luncheon return in 2006.
Nearly 40 sessions are offered through the educational conference portion of the convention. Sessions cover a wide range of hot topics in the industry, including regulatory compliance efforts, design specifications, fleet preventive maintenance, the latest work truck technology, and updates from leading chassis manufacturers.
“We've really expanded our educational offering this year,” said Steven Sill, chairman of the NTEA Convention Education Committee, and president of Aspen Equipment Co in Bloomington, Minnesota. “Attendees who take advantage of even a fraction of the educational opportunities available at The Work Truck Show 2006 and 42nd Annual NTEA Convention will walk away with invaluable insights they can put to work right away.”
Show attendees are invited to attend 16 different free classes on a variety of topics that are taking place in two “training theaters” — complete classrooms located right on The Work Truck Show floor. These 20-minute sessions require only a short time commitment to obtain operational insights and business strategies that can be implemented immediately. The sessions are scheduled throughout the day on Wednesday, March 1, and Thursday, March 2.
Topics include vehicle life-cycle costing, truck specifications, personal and professional development, business management, and truck-frame modification. Classes will be led by many of the industry experts who deliver full-length presentations as part of the convention educational curriculum.
“The training theater sessions let show attendees take a quick break that delivers big value in terms of improving their operations,” Sill said. “The sessions give attendees a chance to recharge — both physically and mentally.”
A bonus session on Tuesday, February 28, brings together representatives of four leading chassis manufacturers to review changes to truck chassis required to meet 2007 emission regulations and the impact these changes will have on the work truck and trailer industry. Panelists from Freightliner Trucks, General Motors Commercial Trucks, Ford Trucks, and International Truck and Engine Corporation answer questions from participants about issues that may be encountered when mounting equipment on these new chassis.
At the Business Forum, from 8:30 am-10 am on Friday, March 3 (following the 8 am Business Forum Breakfast Buffet), top executives from International Truck and Engine Corporation, Ford Motor Company and GM Fleet and Commercial Operations share their vision on the future of commercial trucks. These high-level industry experts discuss how new technologies and applications for work trucks will affect the market and product design in the future.
Fleet Management Symposium
Exclusively for fleet and shop managers, the Fleet Management Symposium is a full-day program on Tuesday, February 28, focusing on financial and operational practices that can reduce costs while increasing shop labor productivity.
The symposium, led by Kelly Walker, president of Kelly Walker Associates in Dallas, Texas, includes teaching participants how to: compute a fleet meltdown and stoppage formula; use an eight-step technician recruiting and retention strategy; learn why insourcing and outsource decisions are changing; use fuel management models; apply 16 predictors of a company's future; manage shop labor; utilize fleet and shop management software; structure the department as a separate corporation; use a 12-step fully-loaded labor rate; determine fleet asset disposal; optimize shop staffing levels; calculate fleet asset rental rates and chargeback systems; maximize warranties/performance guarantees; benefit from GPS tracking/monitoring/route mapping; apply 20 benchmarks with 100 performance measures; and reduce fleet costs by 25% in 12 months.
“The Fleet Management Symposium was very popular last year,” Sill said. “So we brought it back for 2006 and condensed the schedule into a single day to make it easier for fleet managers to attend.”
Truck fleet managers are invited to a fun training session titled, “Lighten Up! Life Goes on After Your Pencil Breaks,” combined with a networking luncheon on Thursday, March 2. Dr Joe Desaulniers uses an informative, yet humorous delivery to present fleet managers with practical ideas for managing workplace stress.
The NTEA Young Executives Network Business Workshop, “Technology Implementation in the Real World,” is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, from 3 pm-4:15 pm. A panel of NTEA Young Executives Network (YEN) members will present real-world examples of technology implementations within their companies. The panel will offer valuable tips on what to do and what not to do when adopting new technology intended to make a business more efficient. It will be followed by a networking reception from 4:30 pm-5:30 pm.
The opening reception is set for the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Tuesday, February 28, from 6:30 pm-9 pm. The sports-themed atmosphere will allow members to shoot some pool, catch a game on the big screen, or play on an electronic basketball court.
Down time can be filled with two tours:
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Mansions of Buckhead Tour, Wednesday, March 1, 9 am-1 pm: Begin with a drive through the West Paces Ferry area, one of Atlanta's most exclusive residential districts. You'll also visit the Governor's mansion and the Atlanta History Center before the tour concludes at the elegant 1928 Swan House Mansion.
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Gone With the Wind Tour, Thursday, March 2, 1 pm-5 pm: Enjoy a private, guided tour of the Margaret Mitchell House, affectionately called “The Dump” by its best-known resident. It was in this turn-of-the-century structure that Mitchell wrote Gone With the Wind. You will tour the apartment where she and her husband lived and visit a museum displaying memorabilia from the movie. Then, drive to historic Jonesboro, where you'll tour the city's Civil War period landmarks and conclude your adventure at Stately Oaks Plantation.
Here is a look at the educational sessions, breaking them down into the categories of management, sales, technical, chassis, and fleets. See accompanying article for an in-depth look at some key sessions.
MANAGEMENT
“It's Time: Preparing to Transition Your Business,” February 28, 3 pm-4:15 pm: After decades at the helm of a successful enterprise, business owners often face important questions. What do I want my long-term relationship with the business to be? Will I change the company's ownership or management structure? Should the business be retained for family members? Should I sell the company to employees and co-stockholders? Do I plan to sell the business to external buyers or through an initial public offering? What if I retain the business, develop professional management and reduce my day-to-day responsibilities? Learn what you need to know now — it's never too early to plan for the transition of a business you spent the better part of your life building. Presenters: Paul J Bernhard, Plante Moran Financial Advisors, Auburn Hills, Michigan.
“Federal Excise Tax Industry Update,” March 1, 8 am-9:15 am: Learn the status of federal excise tax (FET) laws and requirements applicable to the work truck industry. Better understand your responsibilities for payment and collection of the tax as a supplier or purchaser. Discuss tax implications for the sales of truck bodies and equipment, trailers, semi-trailers, parts and accessories. Presenters: Mark Sidman, Partner, Weiner Brodsky Sidman & Kider PC, Washington, DC; Michael Kastner, Government Relations Director, NTEA, Washington, DC; and Robert Raybuck, Technical Services Director, NTEA.
SALES
“Creating Customer Loyalty, February 28, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: Every company wants a “sustainable” competitive advantage. This is achievable by providing an outstanding level of customer service that is different enough to be seen, felt and heard. Topics covered in this session include: the “magic of circular response”; defining internal and external customers and why it takes a team to meet their needs; the role of individuals and personal accountability; sharing and managing customer expectations; and key skill sets required to create customer loyalty. Presenters: Dave Mills, President, Twenty-First Century Marketing, East Peoria, Illinois.
TECHNICAL
“Simplifying Weight Distribution Calculations for Commercial Trucks,” February 28, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: Understand and recognize the importance of weight distribution calculations in the utilization and design of commercial trucks. Learn the basics of vehicle weight distribution to safely and legally position equipment and payloads while maintaining the regulatory compliance of the vehicle. Attendees will receive a calculation exercise and information about a software package available exclusively through the NTEA. Presenters: Richard Toner, Consultant, Toner Associates, Pentwater, Michigan.
“What Truck Distributors, Manufacturers, Dealers & Purchasers Should Know About Vehicle Certification,” February 28, 1:30 pm-2:45 pm: Meeting complex federal regulations for certification is one of the most important aspects of your truck equipment purchase. Learn about the standards applicable to multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and trailers of differing gross vehicle weight and gross combination weight ratings. Understand your responsibilities and what to look for from your suppliers regarding certification compliance and penalties. Ask questions and get the facts on new labeling and certification requirements for incomplete, final-stage and altered-stage vehicles. Presenters: Raybuck and Kastner.
“Proper Compliance Calculations for Vehicle Certification, February 28, 3 pm-4:15 pm: Discover calculations relevant to complying with incomplete, final-stage and altered-vehicle certification requirements. This session delivers a significant complement of federal compliance information and demonstrates the use of important tools, such as Incomplete Vehicle Documents. Presenter: Toner.
“Truck Frame Modification for Body Mounting, March 1, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Examine the basic frame characteristics and requirements needed for durable and high-quality mounting of truck bodies and equipment. Understand how the effects of welding and fastener usage can affect frame strength and durability. Identify ways to avoid the mistakes that can lead to costly repair. Presenter: Toner.
CHASSIS
“Kenworth Truck Co. CHASSIS UPDATE,” February 28, 3 pm-4:15 pm: Kenworth presents a T300 medium-duty builder update and walk-around presentation; previews a new body builder manual and its distribution; and presents a chassis technical overview and body builder features.
“Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. CHASSIS UPDATE,” February 28, 3 pm-4:15 pm: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc highlights 2006 and 2007 model year product information and changes, including a discussion of 2007 emission control devices and their impact on body builders.
“Dodge CHASSIS UPDATE,” March 1, 8 am-9:15 am: Dodge hosts a technical update on its current line of commercial vehicles and an overview of what's coming in 2009.
“The Sterling Truck Corporation CHASSIS UPDATE,” March 1, 8 am-9:15 am: Sterling representatives discuss preparations for 2007 emissions regulation changes, new product offerings and resources for body builders.
“General Motors & Isuzu Commercial Trucks CHASSIS UPDATE,” March 1, 9:30 am-10:45 am: This presentation explores 2007 emissions requirements and upfit implications for GM and Isuzu truck lines.
“International Truck and Engine Corporation CHASSIS UPDATE,” March 1, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Learn about new model designs, 2007 emissions requirements and impacts on body builders. Optional accommodation packages, power takeoff capabilities and retrofits will also be discussed.
“Ford Trucks CHASSIS UPDATE,” March 2, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Ford presents the latest in its full range of commercial trucks: F-Super Duty, E-Series, F650-750, and LCF. The company provides first-hand technical information, including body and equipment mounting implications based on the new 2007 diesel emissions requirements.
FLEETS
“Designs and Specifications for Vocational Vehicles — a Functional Approach,” March 1, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Vocational vehicles by definition are intended to perform or support a specific job or group of related jobs. Therefore, the functional requirements associated with the job, or group of related jobs, should be one of the primary factors driving the design of a vocational vehicle. However, a number of other factors must also be considered. This session presents an approach for optimizing the design and life cycle costs of vocational vehicles, starting with the identification of the functional requirements of any given application and ending with the chassis specifications for the vehicles. This session also discusses the need for, and importance of, well-written specifications for vocational vehicles. Presenters: Robert Johnson, Fleet Consultant, NTEA, Jefferson, Maryland.
“Vehicle Regulation Compliance for Commercial Light- and Medium-duty Fleets,” March 1, 8 am-9:15AM: This session focuses on commercial motor vehicles, and discusses how Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations apply to light- and medium-duty fleets with vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight of 10,001 lb and above. These regulations include driver requirements (CDL and non-CDL); hours of service; log books; daily vehicle inspection reports; maintenance requirements and records; transporting/manifesting of hazardous materials; and more. Whether you operate a fleet of one or multiple vehicles, this session delivers an understanding of how these regulations apply to your fleet.
Presenters: Dave Williams, Regional Manager, Fleet Operations, Verizon Communications, Valhalla, New York.
“The Development of Medium-duty Hybrid Work Trucks,” March 1, 9:30 am-10:45 am: The Hybrid Trucks Users Forum that represents commercial and military interests used a market pull strategy to promote the development of commercially viable medium- and heavy-duty (Class 6-8) hybrid trucks. Utilizing an evolutionary (as opposed to revolutionary) approach, it has successfully attracted OEM suppliers that have developed a number of hybrid designs. More than 20 pre-production, medium-duty hybrids were delivered to various users throughout 2005 for testing and evaluation, and production models may be available in 2006. Preliminary results indicate that in some applications, commercial hybrid work trucks can provide a 40% to 60% improvement in fuel economy while significantly reducing emissions. Presenter: George Survant, Director of Fleet Services, Florida Power & Light Co, Juno Beach, Florida.
“Fleet Preventive Maintenance Programs — is My Work Truck Program Working?” March 2, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Given the constant pressure to reduce expenses, fleet managers must frequently defend the cost of their preventive maintenance programs for vocational vehicles. This session will review criteria fleet managers can use to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs. Learn how to develop statistical data to support preventive maintenance-related expenditures. In addition, learn techniques such as predictive maintenance and model-specific scheduling that in many cases can be used to reduce expenses.
Presenters: Johnson; Williams; and Larry Allen, Highway Equipment Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Equipment Division, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
“Identifying the Impact of 2007 Emissions Regulations on Your Fleet Operation,” March 2, 9:30 am-10:45 am: Are you prepared for the next generation of emissions standards and the transition to a new diesel fuel? Ready or not, these are inevitable, interrelated aspects of major emissions and environmental changes will impact fleets in 2006. In this session, you will learn the details, risks, and strategies you can implement to be fully prepared to make these transitions. Presenters: Bob Stanton, Director of Fleet Management, Florida Board of County Commissioners, Bartow, Florida.