Episode 315: This episode announces the recipients of the HDPR scholarship for WyoTech students. Dalton Fisher and Blake Klamm, aspiring diesel technicians, are highlighted for their embodiment of heavy-duty traits. They understand the importance of our industry and are answering the call for more qualified technicians. We all know the trucking and…

Episode 314: Join us on an electrifying journey as our host, Jamie Irvine, interviews renowned engineer Ali Javidan, CEO and Founder of Range Energy. Javidan sheds light on the importance of electric trailers for fleets and on how they support drivers to feel confident and comfortable on the road. With his extensive experience and collaboration his…

Episode 313: At TMC 2024, we interviewed exhibitors who highlighted innovative solutions for fleets in the trucking industry, focusing on fuel efficiency, clean air systems, and streamlined maintenance. These advancements are vital for cutting operational costs, minimizing downtime, and ensuring regulatory compliance, ultimately improving your over…

Episode 312: We were happy to attend this year’s TMC annual meeting in New Orleans, and we have the latest news on how the industry is embracing technology to solve common problems heavy-duty people face. In this episode, Jamie Irvine interviewed industry leaders who have used technology to create solutions that increase efficiency. Join us as Matt…

Episode 311: We recently attended the Technology and Maintenance Council’s (TMC) spring meeting in New Orleans where we had the opportunity to delve into the forefront of innovation in the trucking industry. Our host Jamie Irvine had the chance to interview subject matter experts about how the trucking industry is expanding and embracing advancemen…

Episode 310: This heavy-duty roundtable discussion features David Seewack, CEO & Founder of FinditParts, Dan Millar of Hinton Transportation Investments, and Jamie Irvine, sharing their passions, highlighting the importance of building meaningful relationships and encouraging young people to be a part of the industry. Together, they dive into the l…

Episode 309: The heavy-duty industry is evolving, and mandates are steering the industry towards more environmentally friendly solutions. In the first part of our episode, Jamie Irvine talks about mandates for reduced NOx emissions and the phasing out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the plan to replace them with electric vehicles (…

Episode 308: At HDAW’24, we had the privilege of sitting down with some of the heavy-duty industry’s biggest names. Kent Jones, President of SAF-Holland, shared exclusive insights into their merger with Haldex. Additionally, Tim Bauer, VP of Aftermarket for North America at Eaton, and Cengiz Shevket, President of Aftermarket Sales for North America…

Episode 307: Challenging the status quo in the heavy-duty parts industry can lead to greater opportunities for companies today. Learning to reinvent while staying true to core values is the key. In today's dynamic business environment, embracing innovation and reinvention is crucial because it enables you to optimize operations, stay competitive, a…

Episode 306: This year, HDAW24 displayed people's resilience and hope for the future despite ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflation struggles that leave us feeling uncertain. This episode highlights upcoming changes in MEMA with Collin Shaw, engine rebuilding with Bill Mirth from IPD Parts, and product diversification with Blake Deavers fro…

Episode 305: If you’re looking to join an industry and have a career, you should consider working in the heavy-duty parts industry. In this episode, we interview two industry veterans, Joe Mejaly, former Vice President Aftermarket of Cummins-Meritor, and David Seewack, CEO & Founder of FinditParts. Both of these men have decades of experience, and …

Episode 304: Manufacturers of heavy-duty parts and their distributors must work closely together to get the parts the trucking industry needs to keep trucks and trailers rolling. In this episode, we’ll discuss the 5 ways every manufacturer should support their distributors to maximize sales, customer satisfaction, and increased operational efficien…

Episode 303: In the heavy-duty industry, employees need specific skills, knowledge and safety practices to operate efficiently. So, whenever we hear businesses say they are too busy to send their employees for training, it’s a bad thing! Without proper training, the entire company will face operational challenges, reduced employee morale, and even …

Episode 302: Technology on commercial trucks continues to become more complex as more advanced electrical systems are developed. This is changing the demands on the charging system. Alternators need to be high-output and high-performance to meet the needs of the modern semi-truck. Jonathan E. Smith is the Business Development Manager and Marketing …

Episode 301: In the old days, batteries for heavy-duty trucks had an easy job. They powered the starter to start the truck and they provided power for the interior lights, the radio, and maybe the clock on the dashboard. These days, batteries are tasked more than ever before. They power HVAC components, safety components, and the many computers ins…

Episode 300: Join The Heavy Duty Parts Report as we mark our 300th episode. We’re revisiting our inaugural episodes, including our early interview with Marathon Brake Systems and many milestone episodes along the way. Hear about the stories and strategies that have helped reduce the total cost of operations for fleets, the partnerships that have fl…

Episode 299: Historically speaking Melissa Petersmann (The Diesel Queen), is not your average diesel technician. But we think that she is an example of the future of heavy-duty. The more young talented people we can attract to the industry the better. In this episode, you will hear Melissa’s story and she breaks down the barriers that she had to ov…

Episode 298: We’re exploring the latest changes in diesel engine rebuilding. We'll be talking with John Douglas, President of MAHLE Aftermarket North America, and Felipe Fequer from the MAHLE North America Division about the shift from aluminum to steel pistons for better efficiency and power. We'll cover the details of this technology and discuss …

Episode 297: Have you ever wondered how they make the black rubber used in bushings, airbags, and other suspension parts? Matthew Perkins, Director of Sales for North America at Mansons, spoke to us at AAPEX 2023. Mansons is a unique company in the heavy-duty industry because they’ve chosen to vertically integrate. Controlling all aspects of its su…

Episode 296: At The Heavy Duty Parts Report, we believe that diversity is something every business should embrace, but we are not so naive as to think that it isn't a complicated endeavor with inherent challenges that should be openly discussed to achieve the best possible outcome which in our opinion is measured by human flourishing. In this candi…

Episode 295: Join us as we take a look at how the trucking industry has evolved over the past couple of years with Charles Bowles Director of Commercial Truck OEM & Strategic Initiatives at Commercial Truck Trader. We'll explore trends in buying and selling trucks, including the pandemic's impact and current supply chain challenges. Discover change…

Episode 294: What if you could boost your repair shop's efficiency and thrive no matter what the market does? Patrick McKittrick, CEO of Fullbay lifts the hood on the diesel repair shop industry. He stresses the immense benefits of automating your invoicing and data tracking and reveals how doing so can significantly increase efficiency, and bolste…

Episode 293: Interested in learning more about Right to Repair? Join us for a candid conversation with Ann Wilson, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at MEMA, straight from AAPEX 2023. Ann brings us up to speed on the legislative developments and the remaining obstacles we need to overcome to ensure fair access to repair and maintenance da…

Episode 292: Ready to revolutionize your recruitment strategy? Discover how David and Daniel Ostrov, the founders of Whiterail are solving the complex challenge of technician shortages. With their two decades of industry marketing experience, they reveal the importance of having the right people in your business and showcase effective ways to recru…

Episode 291: Getting trucks back on the road can be a tough process at the best of times. Especially when you can’t get the right parts, the first time. Meet Joe Steward, General Manager of Betts Truck Parts and Service, in this week's episode, he shares his view on a few topics including parts identification in all its forms. Show Notes: Visit Hea…

Episode 290: This week features a powerful discussion with industry expert and heavy-duty aftermarket veteran, Don Orrell. We discuss all things brakes, shedding light on the latest trends that are shaping the world of class eight heavy-duty trucks. We take a look into the rise of air disc brakes, their numerous advantages, and the impact of legisl…

Episode 289: This week, we explore how dash cam footage keeps drivers safe. Sam Watts, Safety Supervisor at Meiborg Inc., gives his thoughts on how this technology plays a role in telling what happens on the road. The last thing you as a driver or fleet manager want is a wrongful lawsuit on top of an accident. Sam recounts real situations his drive…

Episode 288: Prepare to get an inside look into diesel emission systems maintenance and repair with our returning guest Wayne Cochrane, National Sales Manager of Redline Emissions Products. Ever wondered how to know if a filter is genuinely clean? What should you be doing after getting your filter back from the cleaners? Wayne explains the dangers …

Episode 287: Our guest this week is Daryl Grady, Director of Engineering at SSR Lighting Solutions. Daryl shares the overlooked potential of LED trailer lighting systems and the key roles they play. He highlights how these systems are crucial when it comes to avoiding injuries and ensuring visibility in dark trailers. Show Notes: Visit HeavyDutyPar…

Episode 286: We’re diving into the escalating fuel costs that plague the trucking industry and trickle down to consumer pricing with a special guest Dan McClave, president of Switchblade Turbochargers. Dan takes us through the unique approach that Switchblade has taken to solve these issues and the innovative solution that promises to transform the…

Episode 285: Wondering what the future holds for energy in the trucking industry? In this episode, we talk with Gareth Evans, CEO and founder of VECKTA. We look at the history of energy production and its relation to the trucking industry. Aided by Gareth's insightful perspective, we discuss the varied viewpoints on the climate crisis and the gradu…

Episode 284: Are you prepared for the unexpected challenges winter driving brings? This episode covers everything from innovative battery tech to the importance of wiper blade maintenance and traction control. Show Notes: Visit HeavyDutyPartsReport.com for complete show notes of this episode and to subscribe to all our content. Sponsors of this Epi…

Episode 283: Are you prepared to take a transformative journey through the evolution of technology in the heavy-duty parts and trucking industry? Let's buckle up and drive into the future together with Martin Radilla, Education Manager of HDA Truck Pride, as our guide. Martin enlightens us on how technology has revolutionized the industry, the impa…

Episode 282: Imagine having complete visibility of your heavy-duty parts sourcing process. Max Zorbas and Jamie Irvine unravel the shifting landscape of the parts industry, where the traditional supply chain has broken down due to the impact of COVID-19, and discuss the new alternatives that are emerging. Max, with his extensive experience in runni…

Episode 281: What’s going on with diesel repair technicians in 2023? This episode features Tyler Robertson from Diesel Laptops as he explains the challenges diesel techs face and the opportunities ahead. We'll discuss why there are fewer technicians due to early retirements and the pandemic, and how the trucking industry fosters stable and lucrativ…

Episode 280: Get ready to explore the evolution of the heavy-duty parts industry with guest Chris Bischoff, president global sales of United Pacific. In the first half of our conversation, he shares his insights from years of experience steering a leading company and helping countless distributors, dealers, retailers, and e-commerce sellers. We tak…

Episode 279: The link between sleep quality and trucking safety is more significant than you’d think. Listen to our conversation with Chris Bradley, Executive Vice President of Sleep Dog, about the role of sleep in the trucking industry. Learn about the serious effects of sleep deprivation on drivers' well-being and the safety of everyone on the ro…

Episode 278: Get ready for an electrifying discussion with James Cade, the founder of AMI on the future of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). We dissect the mandates shaping the BEV landscape and their immense implications for vehicle adoption. California, a pioneer in this field with its far-reaching regulations, also comes under the spotlight, as …

Episode 277: Join us on a technological journey through the world of commercial equipment safety with our guest, Joseph Schechter, Vice President of Safe Fleet. What if your commercial vehicle could not only protect you in case of an accident but also provide crucial evidence that could exonerate you? Discover the industry's rapid adoption of camer…

Episode 276: Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the world of diesel emission system maintenance? Buckle up, as we sit down with Karlis Banis, a true industry expert and a customer care and mechatronics product business manager at Dinex Emissions. Show Notes: Visit HeavyDutyPartsReport.com for complete show notes of this episode and to …

Episode 275: Are you intrigued by businesses that have stood the test of time, constantly evolving and thriving through every change? Prepare to be inspired by our guests today, Justin Zapotocky, and Heather Woodbrey of AMBAC International, a company with a history spanning over a century. Justin takes us on a fascinating journey, tracing the compa…

Episode 274: Buckle up, as we take an exciting journey with Mike Konrad, the President of Bremskerl CV, who will shed light on the ins and outs of air disc brakes in the commercial vehicle scene. We talk shop about the trends in air disc brake adoption and the vocations driving these trends headlong. Gain a deeper understanding of the safety compon…

Episode 273: With CVSA's Brake Safety Week just around the corner, this episode is a must-listen for fleets and repair shops to ensure complete compliance and to ace your fleet's brake inspections. We dive deep into the components of S-CAM foundation brakes, explore the importance of using premium brake materials, and share valuable tips for perfor…

Episode 272: What if you could lower your fleet's total cost of operation while also meeting sustainability commitments? Get ready to discover the innovative product revolutionizing the trucking industry in our electrifying conversation with Andrew Kelly, VP of Products at Truck Labs. Together, we tackle the challenges fleets face in 2023 as they s…

Episode 271: In this episode, David McCleave, Director of Aftermarket for Hendrickson, explores the challenges faced by distributors and the essential factors that contribute to their success. By understanding the impact of the pandemic on the supply chain, the importance of supplier diversification, and the role of technology, listeners gain valua…

Episode 270: In this episode, we explore the notion that the best solutions are often the simplest ones. Join us as we delve into the world of parts, tools, and repairs, focusing on the ingenuity and effectiveness of Milton's specialty tools, Krown's rust protection solutions, and IAT's trusted AMT clutches. Discover how these simple yet clever pro…

Episode 269: In this episode, we showcase three top suppliers who have shown a strong commitment to their resellers and end users by addressing market needs. FPPF, Goodyear, and ConMet are members of HDA Truck Pride's supplier network. Their innovative solutions in fuel additives, air springs, and wheel end optimization play a critical role in driv…

Episode 268: Warmer weather is here, and with the change in season comes a new focus for fleet maintenance. In this episode, we’re staying cool with Prestone coolants, EverCo HVAC components, and silicone hoses from FlexFab. Show Notes: Visit HeavyDutyPartsReport.com for complete show notes of this episode and to subscribe to all our content. Spons…

Episode 267: The heavy-duty parts industry is a PEOPLE business. In this episode, you’ll hear from Mark and Ethan Decker of Jerry & Keith’s, and Tom Labat from Vander Haag’s. These two parts distributors share an understanding that building relationships and investing in people are essential to success in the heavy-duty parts industry. They are als…

Episode 266: In the news, we are endlessly hearing about how new mandates are being put in place that will push us to battery-electric vehicles and other zero-emission vehicles in the next 10 years. But the reality is there are major hurdles to reaching those goals, which means we’re going to have ICE vehicles around for many years to come. In this…