Milestone Equipment Holdings - Intermodal Insights: Intermodal Driver Experience Focus Intensifies

Intermodal Insights: Intermodal Driver Experience Focus Intensifies

Throughout the intermodal industry, further enhancing the driver experience is an increasingly important focus.

Executive Vice President Doug Hoehn of Milestone Equipment Holdings stressed that the “most important thing to do for a motor carrier or drive is to provide a good piece of equipment,” and described technological and equipment advancements being made to accomplish that.

“We have taken several steps that help customers and drivers know what equipment is available,” Hoehn said. One of them is an emailed daily utilization report that provides real time information. Another is accessing equipment supply through chassisfinder.com. Fleets and drivers can select equipment on the web or by phone.

GPS Benefits

Another approach in use at some locations, Hoehn said, is equipping chassis with GPS to help managers better understand movement patterns so that utilization can be improved.

Eventually, Hoehn believes that “GPS won’t be something that is an option, but will become almost required equipment” for chassis.

Currently, Hoehn believes that upgrading to radial tires, disc wheels and LED lighting on all company chassis gives drivers the assurance that they won’t have a breakdown. Milestone chose that equipment to make its equipment more attractive to users, compared with the older chassis that might not have those features.

Hoehn said the market is embracing newer chassis as ownership of equipment shifts more toward motor carriers, 3PLs, cargo owners and forwarders who are willing to pay slightly more for equipment with the belief that lower total cost of ownership will be the result. He also favors the trucker choice model.

 

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The Benefits of New vs. the Hazards of Refurbished

Our customers’ reputation and livelihood depends on their ability to move goods safely and efficiently. Whether you’re a motor carrier or a freight forwarder, there’s too much at stake to risk your business and reputation on old, re-manufactured equipment.

A large portion of the fleet operating today is 25-30 years old, unsafe and needs to be replaced. In fact, the overall age and condition of the existing chassis fleet in the North American market is the biggest challenge facing the industry today.

New vs. Refurbished Chassis

“At the end of the day, a refurbished chassis is still an old chassis,” says Doug Hoehn, Executive Vice President of Chassis & Managed Assets at Milestone. “It may look good on the outside but you really don’t know how reliable it will be when the rubber meets the road.”

A refurbished chassis may be “like new,” but the reality is it’s an old, aging frame covered with standard zinc paint, which may or may not have radial tires (and may even have recapped tires) and may have 2-part, 5-spoke wheels which, if not installed properly, wobbles – creating a potential hazard on the road.

At Milestone, EVERY chassis is the most advanced chassis on the road. Our equipment is the most up-to-date and technologically advanced and features all new frame and components, powder coated paint (on all 2017 models and newer), LED lights, new OEM radial tires, ABS braking system and auto-inflation, hub-piloted disc wheels and no lube landing gear.

When it comes to safety, nothing is better than brand new.

Our nationwide network gives customers access to 30+ locations across the US, from New York and Atlanta to St. Louis and Los Angeles, and beyond. In addition, our customized leasing options give you the flexibility you need for your business.

It’s our mission to keep you moving. Safely, efficiently, and ensuring you peace of mind.

 

Read the Case Study – NRS

 


 

Reliability, Delivered.

Outdated chassis is an industry-wide problem – stay ahead of the game with Milestone.

  • Customer: NRS

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New vs. Refurbished Chassis: The Advantages of Radial Tires

Truck drivers must repeatedly replace their tires, as extensive time on the road causes natural wear and tear. Selecting top quality tires, fortified with the latest technology, is key to optimizing tire mileage.

At Milestone, all of our chassis are fitted with new OEM radial tires. Advantages for the driver include:

  • Efficient fuel consumption
  • Longer tread life
  • Improved traction and flotation
  • Improved cut resistance in the tread area
  • Runs cooler than bias tires

Radial vs Bias-Ply Tires

Of the two basic types of tires – radial vs. bias ply – radial tires are far superior in terms of safety and performance. For instance, radial tires feature steel cable beading for greater strength, multiple layers of steel chords at high angle for higher stability, and single ply, steel belt casing allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

According to research, an average tire service could cost up to $1,000 with a new tire, plus three hours or more spent from breakdown to getting back on the road.

“That’s a lot of time and money lost,” says Doug Hoehn, Executive Vice President of Chassis & Managed Assets at Milestone. “And not to mention a frustrated driver and even worse – an angry customer who was expecting an on-time delivery. You’re putting your business at risk on an over-used, thin-tread tire.”

Read the Case Study – SunteckTTS

 


 

The Real Cost of Time Wasted.

When rubber meets road, new chassis outperform refurbished.

  • Customer: SunteckTTS

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