Follow Us
Subscribe
TRENDING

Author: admin

  • Reliable Fleet Services adds 6 new locations

    Reliable Fleet Services adds 6 new locations

    CMC, the largest provider of integrated intermodal solutions in the US, announced recently that its Reliable Fleet Services (RFS), a provider of over-the-road intermodal repairs and onsite, depot-style maintenance, has expanded its operations to six new locations in response to growing customer demand in the South and Southeast.  

    The six new locations include:

    • Dallas, Texas
    • Mobile, Alabama
    • Jacksonville, Florida
    • Greer, South Carolina
    • Charlotte, North Carolina
    • Memphis, Tennessee

    This expansion builds on RFS’s established footprint in Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Jesup, Georgia; and McIntyre, Georgia, strengthening the company’s ability to deliver fast, reliable maintenance and repair services wherever customers need them. 

    “Reliable Fleet Services continues to grow because it consistently delivers on what matters most, which is safety, quality, and dependable service, all while providing clear, competitive pricing,” said Vince Marino, chief executive officer of CMC. “That performance is a direct reflection of the leadership behind the business. Joe Patterson’s deep operational experience and customer-first mindset have been instrumental in building RFS into the trusted partner it is today.”

    Joe Patterson, director of Reliable Fleet Services, began his career in equipment maintenance at RFS and rose through the ranks, gaining hands-on experience across chassis repair, welding, and fleet supervision before assuming leadership of Reliable Fleet Services. His commitment to safety, customer service, and quality has shaped RFS’s operational standards and culture, while his vision for scalable, responsive service has been a driving force behind the company’s continued expansion.

    “Our focus has always been on doing the work the right way and earning our customers’ trust every day,” said Patterson. “As we expand into new markets, that commitment doesn’t change. We’re building a service network that delivers fast response, consistent quality, and safe operations wherever our customers need us.”

  • NAPA parent company plans to split into 2 companies

    NAPA parent company plans to split into 2 companies

    Genuine Parts Company recently announced it plans to separate the company into two independent, publicly traded companies, one comprising its Automotive Parts Group (“Global Automotive”) and the other comprising its Industrial Parts Group (“Global Industrial”).

    The transaction is targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2027.

    Genuine Parts Company is the paretn company of NAPA, which has 6,000 stores in the U.S.

    “Genuine Parts Company has a proud history of evolving with our markets for nearly a century,” said Will Stengel, chair-elect and chief executive officer. “Over the past decade, we established leading global footprints in attractive geographies, simplified our business mix and accelerated strategic investments to advance and differentiate our business. Creating two focused, independent companies sharpens customer and market alignment, increases clarity and speed, simplifies operations and enables disciplined, business-specific investments to unlock long-term value.”

    The business separation is the result of a comprehensive strategic and operational review of market opportunities, in-flight initiatives and business structure considerations across Global Automotive and Global Industrial, according to a statement from the company.

    Pursuing the separation is expected to create two, scaled market leaders, better able to execute their respective strategies by:

    • Creating dedicated platforms that improve operating clarity and execution speed at each company to deliver greater customer value and long-term shareholder returns
    • Establishing separate management teams with tailored expertise, strategies and decision-making authority to better address customer needs
    • Providing enhanced financial flexibility to enable strategic investments that accelerate profitable growth, improve productivity and extend market leadership positions
    • Allowing each business to design capital structures and capital allocation strategies aligned with specific business objectives, while targeting investment-grade credit metrics at each company
    • Enabling each business to attract a long-term investor base through a clear, compelling and differentiated investment profile

    There are no changes to the GPC executive team. The company names, executive teams and Boards of Directors for Global Automotive and Global Industrial will be announced at a later date.

  • bendix announces dates and locations for Advanced Technology Training classes

    bendix announces dates and locations for Advanced Technology Training classes

    Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC kicks off its 2026 brake school sessions, hosting multi-day classes across the country from March to November.

    Bendix will host in-person and virtual education opportunities for fleet technicians, owner-operators, and others to enhance the skills necessary to help keep vehicles on the road and in safe operating condition.

    To address market demand, Bendix has expanded the availability of its two-day Bendix Advanced Technology Training class. This highly attended course rounds out the Bendix training schedule, which also includes the tried-and-true three-day Bendix Air Brake Training class.

    Where to Find a Training Session

    In-person opportunities on the 2026 calendar cover 11 states. They include 16 sessions of Bendix’s three-day Air Brake Training class – long recognized as setting the industry training standard – beginning March 31-April 2 in Fresno, California.

    Seven sessions of the two-day Bendix Advanced Technology Training program are scheduled: three at company headquarters in Avon, Ohio; two in Reno, Nevada; and two in Fairfield, Connecticut. The first takes place April 14-15 in Avon.

    Bendix has scheduled two sessions of its three-day virtual training class, with one scheduled on Eastern Time and the other on Mountain Time for the convenience of attendees in western North America.

    Registration is open for the complete schedule of both courses, shown at the end of this news release. A member of the Bendix Tech Training Team conducts every class. The training team is led by a Master-level, ASE-certified technical trainer.

    What’s on the Agenda

    Bendix’s three-day Air Brake Training class is tailored to both new and experienced technicians. It covers the description, operation, troubleshooting, and service elements for the total range of components found within dual air brake systems. Classroom topics include the fundamentals of compressed air; tactics for air system failure mode diagnosis and troubleshooting; and air brake system and foundation brake components, including air compressors, valves, foundation drum brakes, and air disc brakes. The class also provides an introduction to the Bendix GSBC (Global Scalable Brake Control) electronic braking system technology, as well as Bendix GSAT (Global Scalable Air Treatment).

    Bendix recommends that each participant complete the online air brake training at the company’s brake-school.com site before taking the in-person Air Brake Training class.

    The two-day Bendix Advanced Technology Training class picks up where the Air Brake Training class ends. It covers the operation and troubleshooting of advanced safety systems and software. Topics include:

    Antilock braking systems (ABS)

    • AutoVue Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System from Bendix CVS

    • Bendix® ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system

    • Bendix® Wingman Advanced™

    – A Collision Mitigation Technology

    • Bendix® Fusion, the company’s flagship driver assistance system family

    • SmarTire and SmarTire Trailer-Link™Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) by Bendix CVS

    • Bendix® GSBC® electronic braking system and Bendix GSAT

    The Advanced Technology Training program includes in-depth, hands-on maintenance instruction for Bendix® air disc brakes and electrical diagnostics.

    All registrants in the three-day Air Brake Training and two-day Bendix Advanced Technology Training courses may elect to take part in a written test administered at the close of each class. Bendix will grade the exam, and registrants earning a passing grade will receive a Tested and Passed certificate. Those who take the exam and don’t pass will receive a Certificate of Completion, as will registrants who elect not to participate in the optional testing.

    In-person Bendix training and the optional test are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). It does not take the place of any instruction or certification exam administered by the DOT.

    Bendix does not certify technicians for work on its systems.

    How to Register

    Because of the quantity and complexity of the products covered, Bendix recommends that each student complete the three-day Air Brake Training course or, at a minimum, the online air brake training at brake-school.com before taking the Advanced Technology Training class.

    Per-person enrollment costs are $525 for Air Brake Training, $475 for Advanced Technology Training, and $425 for the virtual class. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and class size is limited. Register online at bendix.com or B2Bendix.com. For more information, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725).

    The three-day air brake training, set for Tuesday-Thursday, will be held: 

    • March 31-April 2, Fresno, Calif.
    • April 7-9, Avon, Ohio.
    • May 5-7, Indianapolis.
    • May 12-14, Huntersville, N.C.
    • May 12-14, Fort Wayne, Ind.
    • June 2-4, Reno, Nev.
    • June 9-11, Fairfield, Conn.
    • June 16-18, Avon, Ohio.
    • June 16-18, Thornton, Colo.
    • July 7-9, San Marcos, Calif.
    • July 14-16, virtual class, Eastern time.
    • July 21-23, Owosso, Mich.
    • July 28-30, Reno, Nev.
    • Sept. 15-17, Avon, Ohio.
    • Oct. 6-8, Bowling Green, Ky.
    • Oct. 6-8, Tolleson, Ariz.
    • Oct. 20-22, Oklahoma City.
    • Nov. 10-12, virtual class, Mountain time. 

    The advanced training will be held at these sites: 

    • April 14-15, Avon, Ohio.
    • June 15-16, Fairfield, Conn.
    • June 17-18, Fairfield, Conn.
    • June 23-24, Avon, Ohio.
    • June 23-24, Reno, Nev.
    • Aug. 11-12, Reno, Nev.
    • Sept. 29-30, Avon, Ohio. 
  • Brooklyn-based SJ Express celebrates 30 years of providing roadside assistance

    Brooklyn-based SJ Express celebrates 30 years of providing roadside assistance

    SJ Express, a trusted name in mobile truck repair Brooklyn and the greater New York City area, marks more than three decades of providing round-the-clock roadside assistance and fleet maintenance to commercial vehicles throughout the Tri-State region.

    Since 1991, SJ Express has been a provider for diesel mechanic NYC services, earning a reputation for fast response times, expert diagnostics, and reliable repairs that keep trucks, buses, and heavy equipment moving, according to a statement from the company. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the company dispatches certified mobile mechanics directly to breakdown locations across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

    SJ Express specializes in a comprehensive range of mobile truck repair services including engine diagnostics and repair, brake system service, electrical troubleshooting, transmission repair, hydraulic systems, air conditioning service, DOT inspection preparation, and preventive maintenance programs for commercial fleets.

    The company has built long-standing relationships with fleet operators, owner-operators, trucking companies, and construction firms who depend on minimal downtime. With a fully equipped fleet of service vehicles and a team of ASE-certified technicians, SJ Express delivers shop-quality repairs at any location — whether on the highway shoulder, at a loading dock, or in a fleet yard.

    SJ Express also provides emergency roadside assistance NYC for unexpected breakdowns, tire blowouts, fuel delivery, jump starts, and lockouts. Their rapid dispatch system ensures a technician is typically on-scene within 60 minutes throughout the NYC metro area.

  • Ohio Peterbilt boasts first to be named Master Technician

    Ohio Peterbilt boasts first to be named Master Technician

    Peterbilt recently recognized its first Master Technician, Michael Fitzpatrick of Ohio Peterbilt, marking what the company said is “a significant milestone in service excellence and reinforcing its commitment to advanced technician training.”

    The Peterbilt Master Technician designation is the highest level of technician achievement, representing a highly trained professional who has completed the most advanced level of education offered to diagnose, maintain and service Peterbilt vehicles. A Master Technician possesses in-depth knowledge across all major vehicle systems and is also recognized for their diagnostic, problem-solving abilities and leadership skills, according to the company.

    “We congratulate Michael Fitzpatrick on this significant achievement as our inaugural Peterbilt Master Technician,” said Danny Landholm, Peterbilt director of Dealer Network Development. “He has demonstrated exceptional expertise, leadership and mastery of advanced diagnostic and repair skills needed to support today’s increasingly complex vehicle technologies and the evolving needs of our customers.”

    Achieving Peterbilt Master Technician status requires extensive hands-on experience, completion of rigorous coursework and demonstrated proficiency in diagnosing and resolving critical vehicle system issues. As trusted technical leaders, to address complex truck, engine and electrical repair, Master Technicians will serve as mentors to other technicians to ensure vehicles meet Peterbilt’s high standards of performance and reliability. 

    “Earning the Master Technician designation is a proud moment in my career and the training has prepared me to deliver an even higher level of service,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’ve focused on understanding how advanced vehicle systems work together across the entire truck. This is knowledge I can apply every day and share with other technicians so we can continue improving together.”

    “Today we recognize an important accomplishment with the designation of our first Master Technician, reflecting a strong foundation of technical skill, experience and commitment to quality work. Our customers will benefit from more efficient diagnostics, dependable repairs and consistent service, while fellow technicians gain a knowledgeable resource to support ongoing learning and best practices. For our dealer network, this milestone supports continued investment in service expertise and reinforces our focus on reliable, high-quality support,” added Landholm.

  • Paccar Parts opens distribution center in Calgary, Alberta; 3rd in Canada

    Paccar Parts opens distribution center in Calgary, Alberta; 3rd in Canada

     PACCAR Parts is pleased to announce the opening of its new Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Calgary, Alberta. As the company’s third Canadian distribution center, the Calgary PDC is strategically located to optimize delivery speed and parts availability for dealers, customers and TRP stores across Western Canada.

    Spanning 180,000 square feet, the Calgary facility can stock up to 40,000 part numbers.

    As the 21st location in PACCAR Parts’ global distribution network, the facility expands the company’s total warehouse space to more than 4.0 million square feet (372,000 square meters).

    “Our new Calgary PDC demonstrates our dedication to providing dealers and customers with the highest level of parts availability and delivery performance,” said Bryan Sitko, PACCAR vice president and general manager of PACCAR Parts. “Its strategic location strengthens our network and ensures we continue to deliver unmatched value and exceptional support across Canada.”

  • Crash Champions creates new Technician Training Program

    Crash Champions creates new Technician Training Program

    Crash Champions, one of the nation’s fastest-growing founder-led collision repair providers, recently announced the launch of its new Technician Training Program. Chris Sandoval, a body technician from its Eagle Ranch, New Mexico location, is the first program participant to become Level 1-certified.

    The new Technician Training Program was designed and developed by Crash Champions’ Collision Technology department to offer its team of I-CAR Gold Class technicians real-time access to a growing digital training catalog covering the automotive industry’s latest tools, products, and vehicle advancements – available directly at their stall. Crash Champions also partnered with industry leaders such as 3M, Pro Spot, Car-O-Liner, and KECO to develop many of the training modules available to technicians.

    “As the automotive industry continues to evolve and become increasingly complex, it’s essential that we stay ahead of the curve with the latest innovations and training programs for every member of our team,” said Matt Ebert, Crash Champions founder and CEO. “The Technician Training Program empowers our technicians with material that’s always current, comprehensive, and easy to access.”

    Through the program, Crash Champions body technicians can immediately access over 100 exclusive technical videos, achieve three certification levels (Level 1-Skilled, Level 2-Advanced, Level 3-Elite), and gain direct support from Crash Champions’ Collision Technology team — all available through the company’s internal software platforms and conveniently accessible via mobile devices at the stall level to support technician growth. 

    The program supplements Crash Champions’ lineup of training programs, including its body technician apprenticeship, STEP (aimed at aspiring technicians entering the trade), and its Associate Service Advisor Program.

    Sandoval, Crash Champions’ first Level 1-certified technician in the program, was recognized last month by Ebert and senior leadership at the company’s Chicago headquarters. 

    “During my time at Crash Champions, I’ve learned that the company’s belief in ‘Championing People’ is practiced every day in ways big and small,” said Sandoval. “This program perfectly encompasses that vision, as it has allowed technicians like me the ability to stay on the cutting edge of collision repair technology. Better said, the program’s easily accessible resources and training have set us up for successful, long-term careers while ensuring we’re in the best position possible to help our customers with the knowledge and confidence to fulfill the trust they put in us during their time of need.”  

  • Diesel USA Group joins VIPAR Heavy Duty

    Diesel USA Group joins VIPAR Heavy Duty

    Diesel USA Group Inc., a long established leader in diesel engine products and services, has joined VIPAR Heavy Duty, bringing seven additional U.S. locations to the network. 

    Diesel USA Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of diesel engine products, including turbochargers, fuel systems, exhaust and emission components, electrical parts, filtration products, and charged air products. The company also offers high value technical services, such as machining, diagnostics, DPF cleaning, component repair, remanufacturing, and full service parts distribution. 

    Jerry Mabis, corporate liaison at JASPER Holdings Inc., explained that Diesel USA joined VIPAR Heavy Duty to leverage its long‑standing position as a central distributor of fuel‑injection, turbocharger, and engine‑related fuel‑system component product lines. 

    “In evaluating the opportunity, we recognized the value‑added benefits of aligning with VIPAR Heavy Duty’s established network and expanding access to complementary product lines. As we looked at our existing relationships with leading suppliers within the VIPAR Heavy Duty family, it became clear that joining as a stockholder would deliver significant mutual benefit,” said Mabis.

    Diesel USA Group serves a diverse customer base across industries that rely on gas and diesel engine systems. Its market reach extends nationwide through locations in Louisville, Kentucky.; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Crown Point, Indiana.; and Fontana, California. These facilities enable the company to deliver fast, reliable products and technical expertise to commercial fleets, consumer diesel drivers, and equipment owners demanding trusted performance and support.

    “Diesel USA Group’s decades long commitment to technical excellence, deep industry expertise, and strategically located facilities significantly strengthen our network’s ability to support customers nationwide. By adding their proven capabilities in diesel engine products, diagnostics, and remanufacturing, we are expanding both the depth and reach of the solutions we can offer to end-users,” said Joe Meyer, vice president of Business Development for VIPAR Heavy Duty.

    Founded in 1950 by World War II veteran Lloyd A. Bailey, Diesel USA Group began as Diesel Injection Service Company in Louisville, Kentucky. Bailey’s technical expertise and early involvement in the post war diesel service industry — including his participation in the first meeting of the Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS) in 1956 — helped shape the company’s trajectory and the industry at large.  

    In 2019, Diesel USA Group was acquired by JASPER Holdings, Inc., parent company of Jasper Engines & Transmissions. The company continues to operate as an independent brand within JASPER’s ESOP structure while retaining the leadership team that has guided its long term growth. 

  • Roadcheck set for May 12-14; here’s what inspectors will be looking at

    Roadcheck set for May 12-14; here’s what inspectors will be looking at

    The clock is ticking on getting commercial motor vehicles you’re responsible for ready for a major inspection effort.

    From May 12 to 14, enforcement personnel throughout North America will inspect commercial motor vehicles for compliance with vehicle, cargo and driver regulatory requirements as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual 72-hour inspection, enforcement and data-collection initiative, International Roadcheck.

    During International Roadcheck, inspectors at weigh/inspection stations and pop-up inspection sites primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes two major parts – an examination of the driver’s operating requirements and an assessment of the vehicle’s mechanical fitness.

    For the vehicle portion of the inspection, inspectors will assess a vehicle’s:

    * brake systems

    * cargo securement

    *coupling devices

    *driveline/driveshaft components

    *driver’s seat

    *fuel and exhaust systems

    *frames

    *lighting devices

    *steering mechanisms

    *suspensions

    *tires

    *wheels

    *rims,

    *hubs,

    *windshield wipers.

    Inspections of motorcoaches/buses and other passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles also include examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.

  • After strong 2025, Christian Brothers Automotive plans even more in 2026

    After strong 2025, Christian Brothers Automotive plans even more in 2026

     Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA), a leading automotive repair franchise, recently announced it capped off 2025 with “substantial development momentum, system growth, and national recognition, reinforcing its position as a trusted, people-first brand in the automotive repair industry.”

    A statement from the company said this performance positions the it for continued growth in 2026.

    In 2025, CBA opened 24 new shops, including 14 in new markets such as Odessa, Texas; Clarksville, Tennessee; Marietta, Georgia; Hayden, Idaho; and Otsego, Minnesota, and executed 52 letters of intent to support future expansion.

    Additionally, agreements in Las Vegas and Reno will introduce the brand to Nevada as its 32nd state once opened. Of the 24 new locations opened, 15 were developed by first-time franchisees to the system, while 17 existing markets transitioned to new ownership.

    “We’re proud of the steady, intentional growth we achieved in 2025,” said Donnie Carr, president and CEO of the Houston-based company. “From welcoming new franchisees and expanding into future markets to investing in our people and being recognized by our industry, this year reinforced who we are and where we’re headed.”

    Beyond development, 2025 marked a strong year for industry recognition and internal investment. CBA ranked No. 74 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Top Franchises for Veterans list and No. 92 on Franchise Times’ Top 400. Crucially, CBA ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers by J.D. Power for the sixth time in a row, remaining the only aftermarket automotive repair brand to top the category since its inception. The brand also advanced its commitment to workforce development with the announcement of a $12 million Technology & Training Center in Katy, Texas, set to open in early 2027.

    Looking ahead to 2026, CBA said it is prioritizing strategic development in several key territories, including New Berlin, Wisconsin; Mechanicsville, Virginia; Derby, Kansas; Shoreview, Minnesota; Blaine, Minnesota; Winterville, North Carolina; and Rincon, Georgia, with the continued mission to expand into existing and new markets as well as into its 31st state when the Cheyenne, Wyoming location opens this summer. The brand is also advancing its shop air-conditioning initiative, with over 160 locations already retrofitted, further enhancing the guest experience.

    Founded in Mission Bend, Texas, in 1982, Christian Brothers Automotive has expanded to more than 330 locations across 30 states.