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  • Cummins, Texas State Technical College expand diesel partnership

    Cummins, Texas State Technical College expand diesel partnership

    Cummins is expanding their partnership with Texas State Technical College’s statewide Diesel Equipment program, offering educational resources to students and instructors that will be incorporated into course modules. 

    “Cummins is one of the leading engine manufacturers in the world,” said Richard Ferrell, the director of alignment for TSTC’s Diesel Equipment program. “All of the students are going to be exposed to these engines no matter what shop they’re working in.”

    The Diesel Equipment program is also available at the Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco locations.

    Cummins began its partnership with TSTC by offering free virtual learning resources to a few of the college’s Diesel Equipment instructors. Chris Bishop, the company’s technical training manager for Texas, Oklahoma and the East Coast, said Ferrell approached him about further developments last year.

    He explained the program’s students and instructors have been given free subscriptions to QuickServe and INSITE — the company’s virtual learning tools that contain everything from diagnostics to training manuals and diagrams.

    “We assigned them a training ID that is with them for the rest of their career, so if they leave the school and go work for a dealership, that training goes with them — it never expires,” Bishop said.

    The Diesel Equipment program will be bringing the virtual tasks to its hands-on labs as well. Ferrell said that the program’s curriculum will be updated to include Cummins’ most applicable and beneficial training modules. This change will be fully implemented in fall 2027.

    “Instead of the students simply reading from the text and applying that in the classroom, the Cummins training also gives animations and explanations farther in depth than our current text does; the students will be training on the task virtually before completing it in the lab,” Ferrell said. “It’s going to make them more hireable for a higher salary and make them more competitive with people applying for the same job that don’t have that background.”

    Several Diesel Equipment instructors have already taken advantage of the free learning modules, and many of them agree with Ferrell that it will give their students an advantage in the industry hiring process.

    The Diesel Equipment program will also be implementing other specific OEM training from Peterbilt and Freightliner in fall 2027.

    The program offers several associate degrees and certificates of completion. 

    Registration for the fall semester at TSTC is underway. For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

  • Saia honors two technicians for safety & longevity

    Saia honors two technicians for safety & longevity

    Saia Inc. recently announced nearly 8,000 Saia dockworkers, mechanics, city drivers, and line drivers were recently recognized for achieving a major safety milestone, reflecting the company’s steadfast dedication to fostering a safe and responsible work environment.

    Included in that group were two technicians who have achieved more than 40 years of safe work without a recordable incident. They were:

    • Lafayette, Louisiana Lead Mechanic Lawrence Benoit
    • New Orleans, Louisiana Mechanic Darryl Gay

    Nearly 2,400 dockworkers and mechanics were presented with a Safe Work Award this year, collectively contributing over 15,000 years of injury-free service. These awards recognize employees who consistently demonstrate operational excellence and prioritize safety protocols in every aspect of their work.

  • Austin’s Papmered Auto Care acquired by Great Water 360

    Austin’s Papmered Auto Care acquired by Great Water 360

    GreatWater 360 Auto Care recently announced the acquisition of Pampered Auto Care, an automotive service provider known for its technical expertise, customer-focused culture, and long-standing relationships throughout the greater Austin, Texas community.

    Pampered Auto Care has built its reputation by delivering high-quality service while creating a customer experience centered on trust, transparency, and convenience, according to a statement from GreatWater 360. The shop will continue operating under its established name with its existing team in place, ensuring continuity for customers while gaining access to additional resources and support through the GreatWater platform.

    “What stood out most about working with GreatWater was the people. The numbers and details mattered, but what gave me confidence was getting to know the team and feeling like I had a true partner. More than anything, I knew I was leaving my business in the hands of people I could trust.” Edin Huskic, former owner of. Pampered Auto Care.

    While every shop owner approaches succession differently, GreatWater has built its acquisition model around a common reality: owners care deeply about the people and communities connected to their businesses.

    “We’ve learned that most owners aren’t looking for the highest bidder. They’re looking for the right steward,” said Scott Anderson, President & Chief Operating Officer of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “The conversations almost always come back to the same things: their employees, their customers, and the legacy they’ve built over many years. Our responsibility is to honor that while providing the resources and support that help the business continue to grow.”

    Unlike many consolidators, GreatWater’s approach centers on preserving what makes each shop successful. Every location retains its local identity, customer relationships, and culture while gaining access to the company’s centralized operating platform.

    Through that platform, Pampered Auto Care will benefit from expanded technician development programs, marketing capabilities, technology tools, and operational expertise that can be difficult for independent operators to build on their own.

  • sun strengthens its position in the South, buying locations in TN and GA

    sun strengthens its position in the South, buying locations in TN and GA

    Sun Auto’s said strategic growth across key regional markets continues with the acquisition of two locations: Highland Auto in Tennessee and Highland Tire at Sentry Station in Georgia.

    According to na statement from the company, this move signals greater network connectivity for customers, marking the first location in the state of Georgia alongside a fourth location in Tennessee. This expansion also aligns with broader growth efforts this year, which include adding Colorado and bringing Sun Auto’s footprint to 27 states nationwide.

    As part of the Sun Auto Network, both locations build on their established reputations with added tools and support. These include 24/7 online appointment scheduling and digital vehicle inspections, all guided by the company’s Driver Commitment centered on clarity, confidence, and customer care, said a statement from Sun.

    “Expanding into the Southeast is an important step in strengthening our national footprint and positioning our network for long-term growth,” said Chris Tavares, SVP Operations, Sun Auto. “Establishing a presence in Georgia allows us to serve more customers, support our teams with greater regional resources and build stronger continuity across key markets.”

    Both sites offer a full range of automotive care, including an array of top tire brands with a price match guarantee, alignments, brake service, oil changes, batteries, diagnostics and preventative maintenance.

    Sun Auto Network operates more than 575 locations across the country.

  • National Technician Appreciation Week for 2026 gets under Way

    National Technician Appreciation Week for 2026 gets under Way

    Honoring the hard work and commitment of professional technicians, the American Trucking Associations and ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council will kick off the seventh annual National Technician Appreciation Week on Sunday, June 14.  This year’s theme is “Celebrating technicians that keep us moving.”
     
    “Trucking operations run around the clock and cover hundreds of billions of miles to deliver to virtually every home, workplace, and business.  Our nation owes enormous gratitude to the hardworking men and women who keep our trucks well maintained and ensure the wheels of our essential industry continue to turn,”  said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear.  “During National Technician Appreciation Week, we will join Americans from coast to coast in celebrating technicians and thanking them for their knowledge, skill, and attention to detail.  Their professionalism and commitment to upholding exacting standards enhance the efficiency of our supply chain and help to keep everyone on the road safe.”
     
    Professional technicians perform one of the most demanding and critical roles in trucking. NTAW acknowledges the extraordinary efforts and talent of these dedicated professionals.
     
    “During National Technician Appreciation Week, we recognize the professional technicians who are indispensable to trucking operations,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell.  “By ensuring vehicles are safe and ready for service, technicians make it possible for drivers to deliver the goods we all rely on.  This week is an opportunity for both the industry and the public to show their appreciation and thank these professionals for the critical work they do every day.”

  • Jeep recalls over 1 million Wranglers, Gladiators; warn of possible fire

    Jeep recalls over 1 million Wranglers, Gladiators; warn of possible fire

    A massive recall has been issued for Jeep vehicles becuse thet present a hazard of fire.

    More than 1 million Jeep vehicles are being recalled because of a serious fire hazard.

    FCA US has issued a recall for more than one million model year 2021-2025 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles due to a risk of fire, even when the vehicles are not operating.. Owners and repairers should park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles and buildings.

    The recall affects 1,076,999 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles, which may have an electrical connection issue in the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. This could cause combustible materials to overheat and catch fire. 

    FCA will notify owners when a recall remedy is available, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 9.

    Affected vehicle identification numbers and license plates are searchable on NHTSA.gov .

  • Love’s adds RV service at some locations; tires and batteries too

    Love’s adds RV service at some locations; tires and batteries too

     Love’s Travel Stops irecently announced the addition of light mechanical work and oil and lube services at select Love’s Truck Care locations, building on its recent addition of RV tires and batteries. The company is alsonnounced a partnership with Spartan RV Chassis to provide warranty work for Spartan RVs.  

    “The nationwide reach of Love’s Truck Care locations gives RV drivers easy access to fast service with no appointment required,” said Eric Daniels, vice president of truck care for Love’s. “This summer, RVers can find more value than ever at Love’s, including comprehensive maintenance services, convenient overnight stays at Love’s RV Stops, a variety of food options, dog parks and savings on fuel through Love’s Rewards.” 

    Oil and lube services are now available at 275 locations, while nearly all 431 Love’s Truck Care locations nationwide offer light mechanical work, including: 

    • Brake systems 
    • Select batteries and tires 
    • Electrical systems 
    • Suspension systems 
    • Exhaust systems 

    Love’s is also adding RV warranty services through a new partnership with Spartan RV Chassis, a brand under the Aebi Schmidt Group and a leading manufacturer of premium Class A motorhomes. Through the agreement, Love’s Truck Care locations will offer Spartan motorhome owners comprehensive maintenance packages, chassis inspections, lube service, and wheel alignment – all performed to Spartan’s exact specifications. 

    “Spartan owners invest in the best chassis on the road and they deserve a service they can count on,” said Douglas Searles, vice president and general manager of Motorhome & Builtmore, a unit of the Aebi Schmidt Group. “Partnering with Love’s means our customers can pull into a trusted location across the country any time and know their chassis will be cared for the right way.”

    In addition to RV maintenance solutions, Love’s operates a growing network of more than 130 RV Stops nationwide, featuring amenities such as Wi-Fi, electric and water hookups, RV dump stations, and – at select locations – additional offerings such as sport courts, fire pits and grills. Love’s is the only travel stop network that allows RVers to book, pay for and turn on amenities on their phones through the Love’s Rewards App.  

  • Snap-on spends $100 million to acquire Diesel Laptops

    Snap-on spends $100 million to acquire Diesel Laptops

    Snap-on Incorporated, a manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information, and systems solutions
    for professional users performing critical tasks, Wednesday announced that it acquired Diesel Laptops, LLC for approximately $100 million in cash.

    Based in Irmo, South Carolina, Diesel Laptops specializes in diagnostics, repair information, and digital solutions for commercial trucks and off-highway vehicles serving heavy-duty repair shops, fleets, and other equipment customers such as those in mining, agriculture, and infrastructure.

    The acquisition expands Snap-on’s capabilities in these growing markets and further strengthens the corporation’s library of proprietary experienced-based data, as well as its product offerings to support the diagnosis and repair of increasingly complex vehicles and equipment.

    Diesel Laptops will be part of the company’s Repair Systems & Information Group.

    Tyler Robertson founded Diesel Laptops in his garage in 2012, and the company grew and expanded from there.

  • Mack changes, upgrades online parts ordering system

    Mack changes, upgrades online parts ordering system

    Mack Trucks recently performed a comprehensive redesign of its PartsASIST online parts-ordering platform, delivering a modernized user interface, faster performance and new tools designed to simplify the parts-purchasing experience for customers and dealers.

    First launched in 2021, PartsASIST provides 24/7 access to Genuine Mack Parts, All Makes products, and the Road Choice and DEX Heavy Duty Parts catalogs – serving Mack truck owners through a single online storefront. The latest update introduces an overhauled user interface and user experience built around customer feedback, with improvements spanning search functionality, product display, order management and real-time inventory visibility.

    “This redesign represents a significant step forward for PartsASIST and for how our customers interact with the Mack parts ecosystem,” said Rich Greenhill, vice president of aftermarket and solutions, Mack Trucks. “We took a hard look at the entire user journey and rebuilt the experience from the ground up – faster load times, cleaner navigation and a more intuitive layout that helps customers find and order the right part with fewer clicks.”

    Mack said the key enhancements to the PartsASIST platform include:

    • Modernized Interface: A clean, contemporary design with improved navigation and responsive layout across desktop and mobile devices.
    • 360-Degree Product Views: Enhanced product pages with detailed imagery, specifications and alternative product suggestions to support confident purchasing decisions.
    • Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Live warehouse-level stock availability, enabling customers to verify parts are in stock before placing an order.
    • Streamlined Order Management: A redesigned order-tracking dashboard with enhanced filtering, related-order linking and simplified request-for-quote workflows.
    • Improved Search and Filtering: Faster search results with expanded vehicle and fleet filtering options, including chassis series, VIN and unit name lookup.

    The updated platform retains PartsASIST’s core capabilities, including fleet management tools, quick-order functionality and integration with the Mack dealer network across the U.S. and Canada. Customers can continue to access special pricing, fleet-specific part numbers and promotional offers through their existing accounts.

    The redesigned PartsASIST platform is available now at https://www.macktrucks.com/parts-and-services/parts/partsasist/. Mack truck owners and dealers can register for access or log in with existing credentials. A video with more information on how to use the website is available on YouTube.

  • Toyota and Hyundai announce recalls

    Toyota and Hyundai announce recalls

    Two major automotive manufacturers recently announced recalls of some of their vehicles.

    Toyota: Manufacturing debris

    Toyota is recalling certain 2024 Tundra vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause a main bearing to fail, which can result in an engine stall and loss of drive power. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    This recall potentially affects 43,566 vehicles. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 25TB14 and 25TA14.

    This recall expands previous NHTSA recall numbers 24V381 and 25V767.

    Hyundai: Unexpected braking

    Hyundai Motor America is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes. Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.

    This recall potentially affects 421,078 vehicles. Dealers will update the front camera software. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 302.