The Heavy Duty Parts Report

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 history with Elon Musk at Tesla, Javidan offers invaluable insights into the el...

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 overall bottom line.

Join us this week as our host Jamie Irvine interviews Dan F...

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 Matthew Harris, VP Account Management at PowerFleet, and Chris Garcia, Head of S...

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 advancements in technology to mutually benefit the industry and the environment.

In th...

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 logistics and challenges of seamlessly delivering even the most challeng...

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 (EVs). But do EVs have what it takes for those long hauls?

The trucking indus...

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 at SKF, discussed their cutting-edge software and top-of-the-line products designed ...

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, and drive greater efficiency and profitability.

Join us as Jamie Irvine ...

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 from WAI Global. By staying informed and adaptable, businesses can effecti...

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 they emphasize the importance of mentorship and that success hinges on r...

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 efficiency.

Our featured guest is SAMPA USA, a leading manufacturer of quality heavy...

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 lose out on profit. Strategically investing in your employees correlates to ...

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 Manager of Prestolite Electric. In this episode, we discuss how to choose the correct ...

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 inside a modern-day truck. If your batteries are dead, the 21st-century truck just won’t...

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 flourished, and the community we've built in the process.

Show Notes: Vis...

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 overcome to become a diesel technician and why it is the best decision she could have ma...

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 how battery-electric vehicles are shaping the future of heavy vehicles.

Then...

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 supply chain allows the company to be resistant to the hiccups we’ve seen since the pan...

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 candid conversation with Alexandria Uribe, Senior Director of Total Talent ...