Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/388078
MAINTENANCE MATTERS Sponsored information by Shell Rotella® Q&A WITH MIKE TAYLOR, DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE FOR DAVIS TRANSFER COMPANY What strategy do you use to maximize equipment effi ciency? We operate heavy loads and manage to earn an average of 7.25 mpg. In order to achieve our goals, we focus on using effi cient and aerodynamic options on our equipment such as faring skirts, echo mud fl aps and super single tires with aluminum wheels. How do you utilize technology? Both our tractors as well as our trailers are equipped with satellite tracking equipment that provides the exact loca- tion of every load in transit. In addition we are fully equipped with all transportation EDI transaction sets that allow us to com- municate this information electronically if requested. We use QUALCOMM and are transport partners with SmartWay and use electronic on-board recorders. How do you infl uence driver behavior? We have the speed set to 64 mph on all of our trucks. The trucks will only idle for two minutes before they shut down. We can monitor our equipment and our drivers remotely. By keeping a cap on speed and idling time we increase their safety and see improve- ments in overall fuel effi ciency. In addition, we provide all of our drivers with APUs for their comfort. The fuel cost savings from the idling limit are signifi cant as well as the reduced wear and tear on the engine. How do you manage to attract drivers in this tight market? We provide top-of-the-line equipment such as new model Freightliner Casca- dias, competitive pay and benefi t packages. It's always a challenge but the nice equipment shows how much we value our drivers. How does Shell Rotella help you run an effi cient maintenance program? We use a wide range of Shell Rotella products including: Rotella T5 10W30 Semi Synthetic; and Rotella ELC (Extended Life Coolant); Spirax75W90 AXRME; Spirax GME 50; Gadus Grease.. We depend on the durability and reliability of Shell Rotella and the training off ered to operate our fl eet in the most cost-eff ective, fuel-effi cient way possible. We have used the Shell Rotella T5 10W30 Semi Synthetic for four years and have seen signifi cant fuel savings. M ike Taylor, director of maintenance for Davis Transfer Company, located in Carnesville, Ga., supervises the company's maintenance program for more than 240 trucks, 1,000 trailers and more than 220 company drivers. Davis Transfer is a 50-year-old, family owned, trucking company servicing the dry truckload market of the trucking industry. Taylor, who has 40 years experience in the industry and 16 years with Davis Transfer, says he depends on the Shell Rotella family of products to support his maintenance eff orts and appreciates the technical support and customer service he receives from Shell. "The company has invested in cutting edge-technology to operate safely with optimal fuel effi ciency. Our strategic partnerships are vital toward providing customer satisfaction," he says.