Ultimate Service Center

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by CleanDiesel, May 9, 2011.

  1. May 9, 2011 #1
    CleanDiesel

    CleanDiesel Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    May 9, 2011
    Texas
    0
    Hello O/Os!

    If you could design your ultimate truck service/repair center what would it be like?

    What factors separate the "okay" centers from the best? (price, speed, service offerings, locations, website, friendliness, waiting area, reputation...)

    Which service/repair center (currently in business) comes closest to your "ultimate"? Or you may think that they're all sorry!

    Thanks,
    Jonathan
     
    CleanDiesel, May 9, 2011
    CleanDiesel, May 9, 2011
    #1
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  3. May 10, 2011 #2
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,786
    12,662
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    OK, this is me. I prefer clean, roomy and enough personnel to handle the work load. A lane that does only oil changes, a lane that does only tires, a lane that does only very minor stuff, like changing a light bulb etc. Keep the store items separate from the service writer. No one wants to come in and buy a headlight, and wait behind a guy that is having his clutch repair written up and is on hold getting his authorization from his company. Have service writers write up orders, grunts call for authorization, tire guys change tires ONLY, oil guys change oil only etc. Stay open all the time, have a clean waiting area/restrooms/shuttle service. Keep a good parts inventory. And don't get my truck all greasy on the inside.
     
    Allow Me., May 10, 2011
    Allow Me., May 10, 2011
    #2
  4. May 10, 2011 #3
    Kittyfoot

    Kittyfoot Crusty Ancient

    2,092
    3,056
    Sep 21, 2009
    Sorrento, Louisiana
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    Sounds about right.
     
    Kittyfoot, May 10, 2011
    Kittyfoot, May 10, 2011
    #3
  5. May 10, 2011 #4
    Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

    7,737
    14,425
    May 7, 2011
    0
    If my truck is in your shop, don't try kicking me out. I really don't care what that sign on your door about your insurance regulations says, I WILL supervise ANY work done on my truck by ANY shop....at least until I am comfortable with the work being done at that facility. If you won't let me in the shop, you won't touch my truck....doesn't get much simpler than that.

    My favorite shops here locally allow me access to the truck and to the mechanics working on the truck whenever I feel the need to poke my head in...or I can stand their watching them work for as long as I like, and ask them whatever questions I have about what they are doing, why they are doing it, what they think the cause of the problem is, what could be done to prevent it from reoccurring, or anything else I want to ask them about. They also have no problems with me getting in and giving them a hand with the wrench turning, either...saves me money and it frees up that second mechanic to go work on someone else's truck instead of turning that wrench on my truck. When I have a problem and they can't squeeze me in, they have never had a problem with me working on my own truck in the parking lot right outside of their bay door...even letting me use their shop air line to run my own air tools and borrow some specialty tools that I didn't have in my side box (but made the job MUCH easier).

    Biggest mistake you can make is to treat an O/O in the same manner as a company driver. It is my truck, and I get the final say in what gets done to it and by whom. Give me attitude, and I'll take my truck (and my money) elsewhere or just do the work myself if "elsewhere" isn't an option.
     
    Pedigreed Bulldog, May 10, 2011
    Pedigreed Bulldog, May 10, 2011
    #4
    Eskimo6804, losttrucker, RAG and 1 other person Thank this.
  7. May 10, 2011 #5
    BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

    4,599
    4,439
    Oct 2, 2010
    Chattanooga, TN
    0
    Most of the above but REALLY want to be watching. Not because I feel that I need to supervise but I learn more and find more when I have a trained mechanic to talk to.

    Oh, and free bratwurst, cheese and beer while I watch girls dancing on poles. Gotta have the stripper pole.
     
    BigBadBill, May 10, 2011
    BigBadBill, May 10, 2011
    #5
  8. May 10, 2011 #6
    CleanDiesel

    CleanDiesel Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    May 9, 2011
    Texas
    0
    Great ideas! Sounds like you want to be able to keep a close eye on those mechanics. I hate when shops act like they have something to hide or you are a nuisance.
     
    Last edited: May 11, 2011
    CleanDiesel, May 10, 2011
    CleanDiesel, May 10, 2011
    #6
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