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Episode 380: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine speaks with Sri Kolluri, Product Lead at Motive, about how AI-powered maintenance solutions can help fleets reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).

The discussion highlights how rising parts costs, emergency breakdowns, and vehicle downtime significantly increase operating expenses, with emergency repairs costing up to nine times more than planned maintenance and downtime creating substantial hidden costs.

Sri explains that many fleets struggle with disconnected systems for telematics, inspections, maintenance, and work orders, resulting in wasted administrative time and limited visibility. Motive addresses these challenges by integrating vehicle data, inspections, fault codes, maintenance schedules, and work orders into a single platform that prioritizes repairs, automates workflows, and provides AI-driven fault code analysis in plain language. This enables fleets to shift from reactive maintenance to proactive decision-making, reduce downtime, improve technician productivity, gain better insight into vehicle lifecycle costs, and make more informed maintenance and replacement decisions.

Links

· https://gomotive.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

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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

· https://brianfielkow.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://www.srcreman.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://powerservice.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://bettstruckparts.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://marathonbrake.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· Meet with Jamie Irvine

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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://heavydutyconsulting.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://www.truckgenius.ai/

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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· Precision Fleet Maintenance

· Episode 356: Reinventing the Hub Cap with XTRACTOR

· The Hub Corporation

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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://cultivize.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://www.fleetadvantage.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://allpartsupply.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· http://www.odysseybattery.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· KEA Advisors

· The Heavy Duty Hub

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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://www.autocare.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.

Send us Fan Mail

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

· https://www.mema.org/

· https://cvsn.org/

· https://www.autocare.org/

· PowertrainPlusTruckParts.com

· EastTexasTruckCenters.com

· https://www.grote.com/

· ACCHeavyDuty.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 https://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 https://www.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.

Follow the podcast to never miss an episode. If you'd like to work with Jamie Irvine directly, you can schedule a meeting with him today.