Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/616038
Innovation is Good Business Editorial director: Derek Smith • Editor: Bill Laste • Art director: Mike May • Client services manager: Cyndy Moylan • Publisher: Pete Sobic First Class is published by Northbrook Custom Media, a division of Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC, on behalf of Peterbilt Motors Company and its dealers. Editorial office: 21420 W. Greenfield Ave., New Berlin, WI 53146. Phone (262) 650-9260. Printed in the U.S., copyright 2014. Postmaster: Send form 3579 to 21420 W. Greenfield Ave., New Berlin, WI 53146. One-year subscription in the U.S. $12.00; $15.00 in Canada; $25.00 all other countries payable in U.S. funds. "Agreement Number 40732015". Change of address or undeliverable copies should be sent to: 1415 Janette Ave., Windsor, Ontario, N8X 1Z1 Canada. FIRST CLASS l 5 Darrin Siver General Manager T he key to a fleet's success is often how it differentiates itself in the marketplace. Every carrier strives for outstanding customer service and 100 percent on-time deliveries, but that won't always be enough to set a business apart from the rest. In this issue of First Class, we feature fleets that have differentiated themselves in unique ways. The equipment they spec, the technologies they use, how they promote their brand and the customer segments they serve are all the results of savvy, innovative business plans. Peterbilt's priority is to provide every customer with the industry's highest quality trucks, most advanced technologies and comprehensive support throughout their ownership experience. We pride ourselves on having a solution for every customer requirement. Peterbilt and its dealer network work closely with customers to help them differentiate, reach new levels of success and get the most return on their investment through an unparalleled total cost-of-ownership value proposition. For example, California Waste Solutions (page 18) cites product innovation as key to building margins in the recycling materials business. The Peterbilt Model 320's performance, reliability, durability, fuel economy, safety and versatility all play a role in their profitability, not to mention sending a message of quality and commitment to their most important customers. "We like to demonstrate to the cities we serve that we are investing in the latest technology," says COO Joel Corona. "They judge us by what we put forth." Earlier this year we introduced the Model 579 in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) configuration. Raven Transport (page 6) has embraced this new offering to such a degree that they expect to soon operate a 100-percent LNG- powered Peterbilt fleet. Peterbilt's new Model 567 in a set-forward front axle configuration (page 30) is another example of innovation that delivers a practical payoff. Now in full production, the specialized vocational workhorse allows customers to maximize payloads and optimize weight distribution all while meeting state and federal bridge law requirements. That's the standard we set for innovation: It benefits our customers, so it's good business.