Located in North Carolina’s Triangle region, near Raleigh, the state-of-the-art 12,000 square-foot building was constructed at a cost of $3.3 million.  It sits on 8.5 acres and offers full-service truck leasing, consumer and commercial truck rental and contract maintenance services. 

Stated John Crockett, senior vice president – Southeast region, Penske:  “Strategically this location allows for access to the major entry points in the Raleigh market.  Some of our largest customers in the food and newspaper industries are now within close proximity.”   

The town of Garner was instrumental in ensuring the long-term success of this facility. 

“There have been a lot of great days in Garner in the last couple of months,” stated Garner mayor Ronnie Williams in his remarks to the grand opening attendees.  “We’re very pleased to welcome Penske, with their stellar reputation.”

As Chris Anderholm, area vice president – Carolinas, Penske Truck Leasing, stated: “Ideally, business and government should be able to work together, to help remove any barriers.  I could not be more positive about the help that the town of Garner has given us, especially economic development director Tony Beasley.  Garner is a very business-friendly place.“

During his ceremony remarks, Anderholm thanked Sen. Richard Stevens, Sen. Dan Blue and Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Darren Jackson and Rep. Rosa Gill for sponsoring key legislation that was quickly enacted by the state legislature and signed by the governor earlier this year, to prevent an expansion of the local Triangle Expressway from possibly running through Penske’s facility.

“The town of Garner was strong advocates for both the businesses and residents of Garner when the Turnpike Authority was considering the Red and Pink routes,” said Anderholm. 

Situated in the Greenfield South Business Park, there are six service bays, a two-lane fuel island and a wash bay.  Expected to employ 15 associates initially, the maintenance shop also uses leading-edge wireless technology that enables Penske’s service technicians to automatically connect vehicles for service with diagnostic and analytic software. 

Photo ID, from left to right (top photo): Garner mayor pro-tem Kathy Behringer, Garner mayor Williams, Garner councilman Buck Kennedy, Anderholm, Penske district manager Mike Cox and Penske branch manager Mike Parker and Garner councilman Ken Marshburn.  In the second photo, Anderholm speaks at the ribbon cutting.

Photos courtesy of Michael Lentz of Garner Portraits.

By Alen Beljin, from Garner, N.C.

Penske Truck Leasing

• Secure fuel cards with Employee Number (e.g. PIN) validation at the point of sale
• Set spending and fueling limits
• Quickly activate or deactivate cards 

As a result of this new fuel card program, all existing Penske fuel cards will be deactivated and rendered unusable effective July 31, 2011.  It is important that all of our fuel card customers transition to the new fuel card program. 

Penske is asking all fuel card customers to complete and return the Fuel Card Acknowledgement form and the Fuel Card Administrator form(s) as soon as possible.  Your designated Penske sales representative has these forms.  Please contact your representative if you have not already received these forms.  You will need to complete them in order to authorize your new fuel cards.

 If you need more information please contact your designated Penske sales representative.

By Kathleen Walter

Penske offers to its 5,400 maintenance associates nearly 40 hours annually of mandatory training, and opportunities to advance technician levels via a voluntary Technician Certification Program (TCP).  

“We provide training that focuses on preventive maintenance, technical and diagnostic skills, and the customer experience,” explained Holly Gerke, the company’s technical training manager.  “Our associates receive instruction through self-paced hard copy and online activities, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) instructor led classes and courses focusing on our company’s internal maintenance procedures.”

As Gerke noted, several hundred Penske maintenance techs have completed the TCP, and as a result, advanced through several different levels from customer service representative to technician III, tech III to tech II, and ultimately to the technician I level.  

“In our continuous quest to provide superior customer satisfaction we understand the importance of keeping current with new technologies and enhancing the skills of our technicians,” stated Mike Hasinec, Penske vice president of maintenance systems and support.  “Our TCP has been a great addition to our existing technical training program and it provides our technicians a formalized career path.”

Penske’s fleet exceeds 210,000 vehicles.  Jonathan Hester and other Penske technicians discussed their TCP experiences in a March 2011 “Move Ahead” blog post. 

By Alen Beljin

One area of the CSA website that is particularly helpful is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.  Here you will currently find a growing list of 152 of the program’s most asked questions.  

In addition, be sure to also check out CSA’s brand new Resources section, which provides a number of informative background resources, truck driver tool kits, presentations, program fact sheets, and other useful information to get you informed about the program and its impact on your fleet or drivers.

Further, Penske Truck Leasing has its own team of safety specialists that can also help your fleet and drivers better understand different aspects of the program.  We also have some free online resources available for download here.  

Be sure to contact your local Penske Truck Leasing representative should you need assistance in better understanding the program, and how our programs and services can improve safety, and help you and your fleet better comply with various new regulations related to fleet maintenance programs and your drivers.

About the CSA Program

Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicles.  The program introduces a new enforcement and compliance model that allows FMCSA and its State Partners to contact a larger number of carriers earlier in order to address safety problems before crashes occur.  Launched in December 2010, the program establishes a new nationwide system for making the roads safer for motor carriers and the public alike.

By Randy Ryerson

The federal government is urging those planning to relocate to help stop the spread of this invasive culprit that threatens our nation’s landscape.  The European gypsy moth has dramatically changed the landscape in 19 states and Washington, D.C. since it was introduced in the late 1860s.

Without the public’s help, the gypsy moth threatens many more states.  Since 1970, 75 million acres in the United States have been defoliated by the gypsy moth.  An infestation of gypsy moth can defoliate up to 13 million acres of trees in one season if left untreated.

“To those planning a move, don’t give this invasive pest a free ride to a non-infested area,” says Scott Pfister, director of forest pests for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  ”The results could spell disaster for the trees and shrubs of your new community.”

A few simple tips from the experts at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:

• Inspect outdoor household goods — lawn furniture, grills, outdoor toys, camping equipment, etc. for gypsy moth egg masses.  Female moths lay their eggs and the caterpillars spread during the spring and summer months.
• The removal of the egg masses from their locations can be performed easily with a putty knife, stiff brush or similar hand tool.  Simply dispose of the egg masses in a container of hot, soapy water, or place them in a plastic bag, seal it and set it in the sun.
• Visit http://www.yourmovegypsymothfree.com/ for more tips and information.

Moving companies that use either Penske’s commercial rental trucks or lease trucks to move others should know the USDA requires anyone moving from an area infested with the gypsy moth to a non-infested area to provide an official certificate of inspection of all common outdoor household articles that could carry the gypsy moth.  To meet this requirement, one can perform a self-inspection of household goods or hire a state-certified pesticide applicator.  The official USDA checklist and additional information can be found at http://www.yourmovegypsymothfree.com/.

This information was supplied to Penske  by The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

By Move Ahead Staff

Pictured in the photo are Penske executives, from left: district manager Dwight Kruep; Dan O’Boyle, senior vice president for North Central region; and Great Lakes area vice president Jeff Schoen.  

The $7 million state-of-the-art facility is a 14,000 square-foot building housed on eight acres and offers full-service truck leasing, consumer and commercial truck rental and contract maintenance services.  It contains four service bays, a two-lane fuel island and an automated wash bay.  

The rental office can be reached at 716-681-4106.  For all other inquiries, please call 716-824-2244.  

The facility was profiled in the Buffalo News, and by various local television stations, including WIVB.  Click here to view the complete news release. 

By Alen Beljin

Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles in the world, with approximately 14 trucks or buses being inspected, on average, every minute from Canada to Mexico during a 72-hour period.

Each year, approximately 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial and federal inspectors at 1,500 locations across North America perform the truck and bus inspections.

During the 2010 Roadcheck event, CMV enforcement conducted more than 65,000 inspections across the U.S. Vehicle compliance rates were about 80 percent and drivers had a 95.6 percent pass rate.  Driver compliance rates in 2009 set a record at 95.7 percent.

The primary reasons cited by inspectors for placing vehicles and drivers out of service continue to be brakes and logbooks, respectively.

CVSA is made up of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal motor-carrier safety officials and industry representatives in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Since its inception in 1988, the roadside inspections conducted during Roadcheck have numbered more than one million.

Penske Truck Leasing supports the CVSA in its efforts to increase fleet safety.  For more information about Roadcheck 2011 visit cvsa.org.

By Kathleen Walter

Rising fuel prices

Professional truck drivers and even consumer truck rental drivers in the process of moving should both take note of this trend – especially as both gasoline and diesel prices are forecasted to remain at or near record highs. Penske experts Drew Parenti, vice president of security, and Ray Zale, security manager, are offering truck fleets of all sizes several handy tips to combat theft not only fuel theft, but the stealing of valuable truck tires, catalytic converters or other truck parts. 

• Ensure your location’s truck lots are well-lit
• Trim any vegetation back five to 10 feet on the outside of the lot’s fence line
• Always lock access gates, and use case-hardened locks when not in operation
• Avoid leaving trucks in unsecure locations during times of closure for prolonged periods of time
• If outside storage sheds are used at your facility ensure the doors are locked; possibly block the access doors with a parked truck
• When parking trucks that have brand-new tires, park them with vehicles tightly together to reduce access to both the tires and fuel tanks
• Always secure the cargo area and lock the cab of your vehicle
• Park your truck in well-lit areas whenever possible

“It is important to take logical defensive precautions,” stated Parenti, who joined Penske last November following 26 years in the FBI, where he was most recently special agent in charge of the bureau’s Sacramento, Calif. office.  “Thieves in this business are professionals, and they’re seeking to take items and resell them to interested buyers.”

By Alen Beljin

Fuel is one of the largest costs of doing business in our industry, and the emissions generated by burning fuel needed to deliver goods and keep our economy moving pose an important environmental and economic challenge.  As anyone who runs a single truck or a fleet of trucks knows, diesel fuel and gasoline are once-again approaching record highs, leaving many transportation companies looking for solutions to help reduce costs. 

In a recent interview with “Move Ahead” regarding the sharp run-up in diesel prices Bob Costello, chief economist and vice president for the American Trucking Associations, said: “diesel fuel is often the second-highest expense for many carriers, after driver wages, and depending on the type of operation, diesel can account for as much as 20 percent of operating expenses.  This percentage can vary dramatically depending on the type of operation, the average length of haul, etc.” 

One of the first simple steps any transportation company can take to help with fuel conservation is to join SmartWay, a unique public-private partnership, created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  There is no cost to join and the benefits are numerous.  Most useful are the quantification tools, guidance and assistance provided by the EPA to help truck fleets improve the efficiency of their operations. 

These tools – designed with input from the freight industry – help to benchmark fuel consumption and emission rates for individual fleets (truckload, less-than-truckload, etc.) and truck improvement.  Upon joining, you will be asked to complete the data assessment tool using basic operational data, such as fleet type, class and age, fuel use, idle times, number of miles traveled, payload, transportation modes and related information. 

Once your data is inputted into SmartWay’s calculator tool, a series of calculations are run and a fleet is provided with an assessment that details fuel consumption patterns, CO2 and other air pollution outputs.  The program also offers guidance on strategies for lowering fuel use and emissions, such as truck and equipment upgrades, modal shift alternatives, and others.   

After completing the tool for the first time, fleets check in annually to update their operations data and check on the progress they are making to achieve their fuel-savings and environmental performance goals.  

For companies that achieve their goals and contribute to other elements of the SmartWay program, the EPA offers opportunities to participate in various program development activities, webinars, and workshops.  The agency also acknowledges and publicly recognizes the progress its partners are making on its website, at industry conferences and through other channels.   

Already, more than 2,700 organizations participate in SmartWay, including many of our customers.  For those that haven’t joined, Penske invites you to check out EPA’s SmartWay website to learn more about how you can start saving fuel, money and the environment.

Industry Recognition

Penske Truck Leasing, Penske Truck Rental and Penske Logistics have been active participants in the SmartWay program since 2008 as affiliate, carrier and shipper partners in the program.  Penske Logistics currently has the program’s highest possible rating of 1.25 as a carrier and shipper partner. 

In 2010, Penske was recognized as a Top 50 Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics magazine.  The magazine’s editors named Penske to the list for the approaches it takes to improve miles per gallon (MPG) performance and reduce emissions of its own truck fleet.  Penske was also recognized for the strategies it applies in helping its own customers relative to fuel economy and also for its promotion and participation in EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership with customers. 

By Randy Ryerson

A well-designed preventive maintenance program offers resounding benefits including reduced costs per mile, advanced identification of premature failures, increased service life and enhanced customer satisfaction.  In fact, the value of preventive maintenance in reducing operating costs could mitigate the effects of other adverse variables like rising fuel prices.

At Penske, preventive maintenance is the foundation of everything we do for fleets.  A regularly scheduled inspection of more than 100 check points ensures all major systems are functioning properly including brakes, tires, electrical, drivetrain and chassis.

Preventive maintenance actions include everything from oil and filter changes to vehicle inspection and even road testing.  With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, our technicians conduct component analysis to improve vehicle performance and dependability.  Repairs are performed efficiently to keep you on the road and control costs.  And we take care of all federal and state inspections.

Penske offers a flexible preventive maintenance program that includes:

• Designated preventive maintenance intervals scheduled at your convenience
• High-quality OEM-spec’d supplies and parts
• Oil and coolant analysis at every preventive maintenance service
• Extensive in-house and dedicated training of technicians
• Reliable, efficient repairs using diagnostic technology
• Six Sigma quality measures that improve vehicle performance and dependability 

As you review your fleet maintenance costs and develop future cost reduction strategies, be sure to consider the value of a preventive maintenance program.  Click here to learn more about Penske’s contract maintenance services. 

By Kathleen Walter

A DVIR acts as a communication tool for needed repair and actions taken between the driver and technician.  Federal regulations require a written DVIR to be prepared each time a commercial motor vehicle is operated.  The motor carrier must retain the report for 90 days from the date of inspection.  This regulation applies to all commercial motor vehicles, motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles.

“We provide DVIR’s to our customers if they don’t have their own,” said Mike Hasinec, vice president of maintenance systems and support at Penske Truck Leasing.  “We encourage them to complete one each time they visit our service departments to have repairs made.”

What you need to know about DVIR for compliance:

• A DVIR must be filled out daily, regardless of repair needs or not
• Upon completion of the DVIR, the driver must sign and date the report and submit it to the service manager or leave it in the vehicle if after hours
• For on-site repairs, the customer should designate the location
• Your company must retain the report for 90 days from the date of inspection
• Before you drive the vehicle again, repairs must be made on any items listed on the DVIR that could affect its safe operation
• In team operations, only one driver needs to sign the report, but both drivers must agree on the repairs

As a courtesy, Penske supplies these forms to all customers.  For more information on DVIRs, contact your local Penske representative. 

By Kathleen Walter

Visit Penske in booth 407.  Penske representatives will be on hand to advise on preventive maintenance programs, lease finance options, fleet-tracking technologies and other items of note for fleet managers.

Ken Hurley, senior vice president of human resources for Penske Truck Leasing will present an NPTC educational session titled “Innovative Strategies to Recruit, Retain and Develop Maintenance Technicians”, Tuesday, April 19 from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. at the convention center.  See program here for details.

Penske is hosting the first-timer orientation breakfast and the kickoff brunch.  Penske is a long-time supporter, board participant and a five-star member of NPTC.

By Alen Beljin

“The boom in the commercial rental product line is a good indicator that the truck rental industry is recovering,” noted Rosa, vice president of supply and planning for Penske Truck Leasing.  “We’re ramping up our fleet to support the current uptick of the manufacturing segment and the automotive industry – two trades that require high volumes of freight transportation.” 

Penske is gearing up for its peak season by adding more than 11,000 new consumer and commercial trucks to its rental fleet.  Each truck features the new 2011 engine that provides better fuel economy and lower emissions, improving the carbon footprint.  To optimize fuel efficiency, new units feature more aerodynamic cabs, low-rolling resistance tires and roof fairings to reduce wind resistance.

In response to market demand, Penske has expanded its commercial rental fleet to 40,000 units.  The company is in position to swiftly respond to market needs – its significant buying power provides Penske customers with vehicles a few steps ahead of the competition.

The new 2011 consumer rental trucks will enter the market just in time for Penske’s busy moving season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, bringing the total consumer rental fleet to 13,000 units.

“Our goal is the keep the fleet fresh to give customers the best moving experience,” said Don Mikes, vice president of rental.  “New trucks help ensure that our customers are renting the safest and most fuel-efficient units.  Having a newer fleet also helps keep maintenance costs down. ”

The growing demand for rental trucks signifies other good news for Penske.  “It’s a wonderful precursor to the long-term leasing side of our business,” Rosa said.  “Over the last six months, customers’ propensity to lease has been on the rise.”

By Kandace Wertz

Transport Topics magazine recently released a special, in-depth report to help clarify CSA.  The report includes information on:

• The new safety system
• What carriers need to know
• How the Inspection Selection System works
• Understanding your score

Penske is providing a free copy of this report.  Click here to download a PDF of this special Transport Topics issue, watch a video and sign up for informational e-mails.  

By Kathleen Walter

This is part two of a series.  Please click here to read part one, an in-depth look at the Penske emergency roadside assistance center.

Although Penske Truck Leasing’s over-the-road (OTR) coordinator Scott Brightbill was hundreds – even thousands – of miles from some of this winter’s worst storms, he clearly felt their impact in Reading, Pa.

For Brightbill and his colleagues, a snow or ice storm in any part of the United States or Canada has a significant effect on their jobs at Penske’s 24/7 emergency roadside assistance center based at the company’s global headquarters in southeastern Pennsylvania.  They provide around-the-clock support for customers of Penske Truck Leasing and Penske Truck Rental, as well as the truck drivers of its subsidiary Penske Logistics.

“My job is dictated by the weather,” said Brightbill of Mountville, Pa.  “When we get the first cold snap in the fall, we know we’re heading into the months when road assists will be higher. We know it’ll be a busy night when areas of the country are getting snow or ice.”

Wintery conditions from November through March set the pace in Penske’s emergency roadside assistance center.  The center logged over 16,000 road reports for winter weather-related repairs in January 2011 and nearly 15,000 road reports in December 2010; compared with nearly 11,500 – the average number of road reports for these same types of repairs from April through October 2010.

OTR coordinators rely on local Penske locations and thousands of roadside service vendors to assist drivers in emergency situations.  According to Brightbill, OTR coordinators often use similar tactics to resolve recurring issues, but inclement weather and a deep freeze presents new challenges, including vehicles becoming stuck in ice or snow, damaged wiper blades from ice build-up, malfunctioning heat, fuel gelling, malfunctioning lift gates and frozen air brake systems.

“Winter-related situations require you to think outside-the-box,” said Brightbill, a 15-year Penske employee. “Regardless of the problem, the safety and comfort of our drivers is our No. 1 concern.  Then, our goal is to get the drivers moving again to ensure they, or their deliveries, get where they need to be.”      

Brightbill works the nightshift when many of Penske’s commercial customers are making critical deliveries that need to arrive by morning.  In bad weather, truck drivers often face unplowed streets and parking lots.  Snow and ice can trigger problems with lift gates, making the delivery process even more difficult.

Brightbill’s diverse background – truck mechanic, service station owner, truck driver, service manager and service writer – makes him well-equipped to handle customers’ mechanical problems.

“I always come up with one or two solutions and a back-up plan that is best for each driver,” Brightbill said. “Gaining the customer’s confidence is important.  Depending on the situation, I follow-up with drivers to make sure they have peace of mind, especially when weather is a factor.”

Brightbill says that this high level of customer service, in addition to vast mechanical knowledge, is key to being a successful OTR coordinator.

“Excellent customer service is part of the whole service package that Penske delivers,” Brightbill said.  “When customers need our help, we’re here for them.  Customers come to Penske because they know we’re able to keep them moving in any weather – day or night.”

By Kandace Wertz

This is part one of a two-part series.  Please click here to read part two, a profile on Penske over-the-road coordinator Scott Brightbill.

Rain?  No problem.  Snow?  Still here.  Sleet and freezing rain? Bring it on. Sunshine? Let the phones ring.  This is the commitment and dedication it takes to keep more than 200,000 vehicles up and running around the clock 365 days a year across North America. 

“We never have down time – even when the sun is shining,” said Julie Levering, director of maintenance services at Penske Truck Leasing.  “Winter is definitely a challenge though. Someone else’s snow day could be our busiest day of the year.” 

This Penske Truck Leasing 24/7 emergency roadside assistance operation, located at the company’s global headquarters in Reading, Pa., will be there to take a call every time the phone rings.

When “Move Ahead” visited recently, there was a constant buzz of chatter and ringing phones.  This noise never goes away, and the longer one is immersed in this area, it eventually just becomes a part of the background noise.

 As most of the U.S. was recently hit with some of the worst winter weather in decades, it was all in a day’s work for Levering’s team.

“We really have to work as a team to make this all possible for our customers, who always come first,” she explained.  “This job is definitely not for everyone.  It takes a certain kind of person to be able to deal with the different stress levels every single day.”

But Levering tries to keep the atmosphere as light as possible with pizza parties and really getting to know her staff. She tries to communicate with them and listen to what they have to say.  “I feel like if my staff is happy, our customers will be happy, too,” she noted.  

Steve Reichert is one of four lead over-the-road coordinators.  His job is to “run the floor” and make sure that calls are being answered and ultimately resolved.

“It’s a tough job,” Reichert stated, who has worked in the department for 13 years.  “You really have to learn fast and act quickly on what the customer’s needs are and what they want.”

Reichert’s main goal when he’s “running the floor” is call resolution.  “It’s important for us to help the customer in the most positive way, and that’s to resolve what their issue is as fast as we can,” he said.

And issues include: locking the keys in the cab, running out of fuel, being stuck on the ice, overcharged batteries, requiring directions, and of course, accidents.

“They (accidents) are the tough ones, but you learn with experience how to handle and move on from those calls,” Reichert said.  With accidents, the goal is to make sure the driver is okay and to get them what they need quickly.

Reichert explained that one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is when new call center associates, who endure an intense four-week training program, no longer ask him questions.  “That tells me that they have gained the confidence in what they are doing to help the customer on their own,” said Reichert.

Kevin Zserai often wonders how customers manage after an accident.  “I do think about them (drivers) and hope everything works out for them,” said Zserai.  “It’s always important to keep moving and help the next customer.”

So how does this department thrive day after day? Nearly one hundred emergency roadside assistance employees help keep Penske’s truck leasing and truck rental customers on the road and moving.

Missee Kahler, a workforce analyst, is responsible for forecasting the amount of staff needed based on nationwide weather conditions.  Her office, which overlooks “the floor,” includes a large flat-screen TV on the wall.  It displays the weather for North America, singling out sections of the country that could potentially become weather issues.  

“It’s really difficult to research different weather patterns and forecast what’s going to happen,” Kahler explained.  “I want to make sure that we have the right amount of people ready to handle the phone calls that will be coming in.”

And when bad weather hits the Reading, Pa. region, staff members will actually stay the night. Each employee has the needed items required for an overnight stay.

Levering mentioned that supervisors will pick up staff members in an SUV to get them here if they can’t make it on their own.  “We really have the most willing and dedicated staff,” exclaimed Levering.

Penske also uses service partners throughout different regions of the country.

“During this time of year our partners play a vital role, but they are critical to our success year round,” explained Levering.

When a breakdown occurs, the company will use a Penske service location within 25 miles.  Ideally, a Penske associate will always be at the scene, but sometimes they must defer to their partners for assistance. From small businesses to national dealers, both help with jump starts, tow-outs and other breakdown related issues.

Perhaps Reichert summed it up best about his position: “I love my job.  I honestly work with the best group of people and everyone here wants to work and help our customers, and that’s what it’s all about.”

By Kathleen Walter

Be sure to read Move Ahead’s January blog post about the proposed HOS chages as well.

By Randy Ryerson

This new HOS proposal would retain the “34-hour restart” provision allowing drivers to restart the clock on their weekly 60 or 70 hours by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty.  However, the restart period would have to include two consecutive off-duty periods from midnight to 6:00 a.m.  Drivers would be allowed to use this restart only once during a seven-day period.

The proposal also would require commercial truck drivers to complete all driving within a 14-hour workday, and to complete all on-duty work-related activities within 13 hours to allow for at least a one hour break.  It also questions whether drivers should be limited to 10 or 11 hours of daily driving time. The FMCSA currently favors a 10-hour limit.

Other provisions include the option of extending a driver’s daily shift to 16 hours twice a week to accommodate for issues such as loading and unloading at terminals or ports, and allowing drivers to count some time spent parked in their trucks toward off-duty hours.

Commercial truck drivers who violate this proposed rule would face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense. Trucking companies that allow their drivers to violate the proposal’s driving limits would face penalties of up to $11,000 for each offense.

Driving hours are regulated by federal HOS rules, which are designed to prevent commercial vehicle-related crashes and fatalities by prescribing on-duty and rest periods for drivers.

The rulemaking has been published in the Federal Register and the public has until the end of February to comment. The final rule is expected by July 26.

For more information or to submit your comments click here.

By Kathleen Walter

A state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot commercial truck leasing, commercial and consumer truck rental and contract maintenance building on 8.5 acres in Garner, N.C. (near North Carolina’s capital city of Raleigh) is set to open its doors for business in the Greenfield South Business Park following an August 2010 groundbreaking ceremony.  “Move Ahead” filed a December 2010 blog post on its progress.

Recent local media reports indicate that the North Carolina Turnpike Authority may look to complete the Raleigh Outer Loop of the Triangle Expressway directly through the Greenfield South Business Park, a project that Penske is opposed to.  Penske area vice president Chris Anderholm conducted television interviews with the local ABC and NBC stations regarding this proposed change in plans. 

Here is a statement that Penske Truck Leasing released today:

“Penske Truck Leasing is aware of the proposed routes to complete the Raleigh Outer Loop of the Triangle Expressway and that the decision of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority may potentially impact our nearly completed new facility in the Greenfield South Industrial Park.  We join with other local community leaders and area businesses in opposing the selection of the Pink and Red Routes due to the negative economic impact and quality-of-life issues it will cause.

“Penske remains committed to serving our customers in and around the industrial park.  We are proceeding with construction and anticipate opening this $3.3 million state-of-the-art facility within the next several weeks.  We are continuing construction to ensure our customers’ needs are served and due to the very long-lead times required to complete any proposed highway project.

“Following yesterday’s meeting, we remain cautiously optimistic other viable alternative routes may be selected.  We are keeping lines of communication open with the Turnpike Authority, the Town of Garner and its economic development representatives.  We appreciate the attention that they have given us and the opportunity to have our opinion heard.  We look forward to a speedy resolution in this matter.”

By Alen Beljin

Penske Truck Leasing is prepared to assist lease, contract maintenance and rental customers with their DEF needs when visiting all Penske locations in the United States and Canada.   

“There are a number of reasons why we have over 6,000 SCR-equipped trucks in our fleet,” explained Mike Hasinec, Penske’s vice president of maintenance systems and support.  “Not only did we feel it was necessary to keep pace with 2010 engine technology changes, the improvement in fuel economy for our customers was certainly a major driving factor.  Additionally, there are a large number of lease units that need to be replaced and we also wanted to refresh our commercial rental fleet as well.”

DEF is vital to the operation of 2010 trucks utilizing SCR technology.  It works to greatly reduce Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx).  Less NOx translates to a truck’s exhaust being cleaner and less harmful to the environment.  

Engines with 2010 SCR technology have reduced NOx by over 80 percent, and particulate matter by 90 percent, as compared to a 2002 engine.   DEF is a non-toxic agent that works to cleanse the NOx chemicals coursing through commercial medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks.

Currently, every Penske location has a supply of 2.5 gallon jugs of DEF in their inventory, and 50 fueling locations have above-ground totes installed on the fuel island.  

As Hasinec noted, customers are still adjusting to maintaining DEF tank levels, which did not previously exist on pre-2010 trucks: “there is still a learning curve.” 

He noted that nearly 60 percent of all customer emergency road calls related to the new SCR technology was in response to those running out of DEF.  “Some truck drivers are just not used to checking another gauge,” he said.  Over 23 percent of related customer calls were those concerned with low DEF dashboard indicators.  Hasinec pointed out that DEF “is readily available at larger truck stops.”

As the EPA has mandated, drivers that ignore DEF warnings do so at their own peril – if the driver runs too low, or out of DEF, the trucks will be governed at 55 miles per hour.  Make a stop and fail to refill under certain conditions, and your truck will not exceed 5 miles per hour.

So far, Penske customers have reported better fuel economy with the use of the new technology in the area of 3 to 5 percent, according to Hasinec.

Through the ExpressLease program, Penske customers can drive new 2010 emissions equipment.  Click here to learn more.

By Alen Beljin

Penske is a member of ATMC, an organization dedicated to “return on instruction” via networking and the exchange of ideas among its members in the automotive industry, which includes original equipment, vendors, government, education, retail and transportation companies.

“We were very impressed with Holly’s resume, and she received a very good recommendation from the ASE vice president of industry relations, Trish Serratore,” explained Dave Milne, ATMC president. 

Gerke had worked with Serratore to secure Penske’s certification from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence for its Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE) program.  In mid-2008, Penske was the first and only truck leasing, rental and logistics company to attain this certification.

Milne explained that there was an opening on the 11-member board for what he termed a “fleet operations” company, and Penske seemed to be a natural fit.

As Milne said, he regards ATMC as a member of the “ASE family” and that the ATMC board is restructuring the council, and with Gerke’s assistance, will “determine the strategic objectives, as a think tank for the automotive training industry.” 

“I am very honored to serve on the ATMC board,” said Gerke.  “This is an exciting development in my professional life.  I consider it a great responsibility to represent an industry leader like Penske.

“Being elected to this board will allow us to gain more exposure to best practices within the entire automotive industry, not just transportation,” she continued.  “I am hoping we can leverage those experiences in a way that will benefit our associates.”

As part of her duties at Penske, Gerke is entrusted with ensuring that the company’s 3,900 truck maintenance technicians and 950 customer service technicians in the United States and Canada receive the necessary training and certifications to service a fleet of 210,000 vehicles.  Training can be delivered in-person and online at Penske locations throughout North America.  In some cases, that may encompass nearly 800 training sessions on an annual basis. 

“Over the last several years Holly has taken our technical training programs to a new level,” said Mike Hasinec, Penske vice president of maintenance systems and support.  “Her passion for what she does as well as her professionalism are attributes that everyone recognizes, including those outside of Penske.”

Gerke is a member of the Penske Truck Leasing technical training advisory board.

“Technicians play a vital role in the success of our company, and it’s important that their skill sets keep pace with state-of-the-art truck technologies,” she noted.

By Alen Beljin

Customers and prospects received further information about 2010 engine emission technologies, and the differences between Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Enhanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (E-EGR).  Penske safety specialists across the country highlighted to fleet managers vital information regarding Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA).  

“We’re very pleased that Penske Discovery Forum 2010 was an unqualified success,” said Jim Molinaro, Penske’s senior vice president of sales.  “Customers and prospects offered excellent feedback on attending these events at locations across the U.S., and in Canada.  The forums were a great opportunity to educate attendants about current and upcoming industry changes, and an opportunity to personally interact with current and future customers.”  

After the first event Aug. 17 in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Discovery Forum’s first leg proceeded to visit three other Southern U.S. locales.  The forums then regained steam in Oct., continuing a tour of North America that concluded in Canada’s sixth largest city, Mississauga, Ontario, on Dec. 14.

Here are a list of what areas were visited on the Discovery Forum 2010 tour:

August: Winston-Salem, N.C.; Greenville, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Chester, Va.

October: Milwaukee; Northwood, Ohio; Jessup, Md.; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis

November: Burlington, N.J.; Dallas; San Antonio; Atlanta; Miami; Sacramento, Calif.

December: La Mirada, Calif.; Phoenix; Mississauga, Ontario

As John Blanco, a transportation coordinator working for a regional Goodwill Industries in the San Diego area noted when attending the La, Mirada, Calif. event: “Penske always puts on a great forum.  It was very informative.”

By Alen Beljin

In August of this year, Penske hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in conjunction with the town of Garner that was attended by the mayor, economic development officials and major customers.  Located in the Greenfield South Business Park, it is 12,000 square feet on 8.5 acres.  It has three truck service bays, a wash bay and a two-lane fuel island.

“The site work is progressing,” explained Chuck Looper, the vice president of facilities for Penske. “Stone base for the pavement is being placed and landscaping will begin soon.  In the building, the service bay floors are in, the heating and ventilations systems are being put in.  Drywall and finishes are going on in the office area.  At the fuel island, the canopy is going up and the piping and the electrical work is making progress.” 

The facility is expected to be operational in early 2011.

By Alen Beljin

About the new location: it’s on eight acres, is approximately 14,000 square feet, and will contain a two-lane fuel service island and four bays (three for service, one for wash).

“The building is progressing well,” said Chuck Looper, the company’s vice president of facilities.  “They are getting ready to pour the concrete service pit and the service area floors.  In the office area, they’re putting in the electrical, plumbing and HVAC services.”

He noted that the parking lot and landscaping are about 90 percent complete.  At the fuel island, the piping and underground tank is complete, and the canopy is going up. 

The building’s exterior painting will take place early next year, when Western New York thaws out.

The facility is expected to be operational in early 2011.

By Alen Beljin

So here is your chance to be a owner operator, or a chance to be a truck renter, what the difference the both have a payment. Ah yes , there is quite a difference in truck leasing so lets discuss this.

Leasing a truck for a owner operator is usually easy because of low down payment or no down payment. Own your own truck sounds catchy but is a lease what you want? For many drivers, I have heard some night mares about leasing a truck from a company. Basically they dangle the carrot in your face ,while beating you over the head when you are not looking.

If you are interested in leasing you need to be really be careful and read a copy of your lease before you sign it. Ask for a copy of your truck lease, before you sign it, take it home and read it over and over again Here are just some complaints I here from other truck drivers with leases. Limited mileage with heavy additional fees after that quota, NO return of your ecrow funds that the company holds, improper deductions, cannot just walk away form your lease as they told you. There is literally lawsuits on the books over fraud and dishonesty from some of these companies leasing trucks.

I can tell you who to contact about difference truck leasing cases is the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) they will give you an ear full of information on truck leasing cases against big trucking companies. this information could keep you out of harm way.

We would also suggest you joining the (OOIDA) there is nothing wrong with a group of truckers joining together
such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers. Let me leave you with this because we want you to be your own trucker, with out getting hurt.

So of these big companies have people that have nothing to do, but to come up with different way’s, to benefit there company, by preying on other people’s heart ship and making another buck from it. Do not become a statistic investigate heavily before you lease a tractor from any company. We will be doing more article on this topics in the future, you can jon our free mothly newletter if you like so you do not miss out on any of our articles simply fill out the forms on this blog.

Remember, read before you sign!    FOR MORE FREE INFORMATION CLICK HERE