I am all ears/eyes

This was actually on my list of things to do, seems around here folks are either, Freightliner, International, or Western Star.

This is a big factor that I am taking seriously. We actually have a Kenworth dealer right across the street from one of our locations. They actually have been doing the repair/maintenance work on our Freightliners, and our one International. So we already have a pretty good working relationship with them. We also have a Freightliner dealership, they are right down the street from another of our locations. We have been using them for years as well, however I frequently find things in the invoices that startle me. One of them being our driver brought our truck into the shop to get a licence plate bulb. Well he got it and they charged us $50 to put the #### thing in! The bulb was just over a $1 to buy. That, and little things like that, have left me feeling as though I would like to look at who else is out there. These guys just dont seem to feel the need to earn our business of late?

So I am on the lookout to find the best honest, and reliable service possible.

Currently looking at both new and used units. Going new has the appeal of a warrenty, but as we all know those can sometimes be "fun" to deal with when handling repairs. However we would be getting a brand new unit, and starting with a clean slate so to speak. My worry is in going with used there is a potential that we could be buying some elses problems. Used does hold appeal as well with regards to pre emissons tech engines, as well I am sure there are plenty of well maintained and cared for units out there ripe for the pickings. The challenge there being making sure I do my research and picking the right one (God I wish I was a mechanic that knew what to look for!)

I guess I have lots of research to do, because at this point, I honestly could not tell you which one is right for us, simply because I do not know enough about these systems to make that call. However I do have a concern with International in that they just came out with these new engines did they not? I am wondering if they might have some kinks to work out still, you know something no one really knows about yet since these engines have only been in operation for a short while. Is this concern ligit or am I being a nervous nelly? LOL!

I am going to look into the purchasing and storage of the DEF fluid, as that might be a deciding factor on which way we go in regards to engines. Yes if we do go new I am going to be a maintenance HOUND! I will be personally checking the daily inspection sheets to make sure that the drivers are filling in the logs properly (we have had some issues with that in the past)

Sounds like we are going to have to start really babying these newer engines coming out now. I wonder what effect all these new regulations will have on the transportation industry in the next few years to come? Are these new engines going to eventually be so filled with regulatory gear and computer components that the quality and reliability will being to suffer? (different topic altogether I suppose)

Well we are lucky in that most all our locations have a dealership and/or a service provider close by. Now are these service providers worth what they charge in subject to debate LOL! I have had great success in dealing with "Mom & Pop" shops in the past. Always honest, always fair and are willing to work with you on getting your repairs done fast and cost effective. This was the case for our fork truck fleet, I am still trying to find shops that could possibly service some of truck fleet.

LOL I am trying, but there is a lot of money tied up in these endevours, and I would hate to make the wrong choice and end up buying a lemon. I guess thats where research comes into play!

Not only that but having some advice from the guys in the trenches is INVALUABLE!

On that note..........THANK YOU to all who took time out of their day to respond and lend their advice. It is MOST appreciated..........seriously it is helping alot to give me some new insight and questions to answer. You guys ROCK!