Volume 26 • Issue 9 • 09/26/2024 |
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THE 2024 UTA CONVENTION IS LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY |
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BOARD NEWS & VIEWS: Reflections on a Productive Term: A Message From Your Board Member by Nick Lombardo |
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As I reflect on the past three years of my tenure on the board of the Used Truck Association (UTA), I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. It has been an incredible journey marked by significant milestones, challenges, and triumphs. I want to share some highlights and express my appreciation for your support throughout this period. Read full article |
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SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE: Application Deadline is Monday, September 30th |
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Do you have a Vo-Tech Student or College Student in your life?
The new application forms have been simplified making it a more convenient and efficient process. |
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NEW MEMBER COMMITTEE: A Day to Remember:
UTA’s Most Successful Topgolf Event Yet |
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Members of the New Member Committee Tyler Rowland, Katrina Faulkner, Dzi Nguyen, and Scott Wynn |
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This year’s UTA Topgolf event was held in Renton, WA, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day! As part of our ongoing effort to bring networking opportunities to different parts of the UTA membership, this event moves to a new city each year. In the past, we’ve hosted it in Houston, Phoenix, and Ontario, California. This year's event was our most successful yet, raising enough to fund four scholarships for the Jerome Nerman Family Foundation Scholarship Fund.
We kicked off the day with an exclusive tour of the Kenworth Plant, where we got a behind-the-scenes look at the precision and craftsmanship that goes into making these trucks. From there, we transitioned into an engaging PACCAR Powertrain & KW Field Service presentation, where the engagement and discussion were next level. It was incredible to see so many of you jumping into the conversation. |
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ELECTIONS COMMITTEE: UTA Marvin F. Gordon Lifetime Achievement Awards Nominees |
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We asked our members to submit nominations for our most prestigious award and we are excited to announce these three outstanding individuals.
Be sure to go to the LTA page and click on their photos or names to read about each of them. |
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The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner will be announced at the 25th Annual UTA Convention in Orlando, FL.
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DEALER GROUP: by Steve Bootsma |
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We live in a fast-paced society and the demand for instant gratification and fulfillment surrounds us. The media fuels doubt and fear about anyone or any group that you may not fully align with, which can make it hard to stay positive and grounded. That is part of what I believe makes the UTA such an important and exciting association — our network of men and women across North America have diverse backgrounds, ideas, and strengths, and are united by a similar desire to be industry professionals. Read full article |
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TRAINING & EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Selling for Success In-Person Training |
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The UTA held its third and final 2024 Selling for Success In-Person Training event earlier this month at the Kenworth Plant in Renton, WA. Sales reps and managers from across the country engaged in classroom sessions to elevate their selling skills, participated in breakouts and mock sales drills, and shared experiences to help each other achieve success at selling trucks and other profit generating products. Besides sharpening their overall selling skills, Geoff Stigler from National Truck Protection, led a new session for 2024 focused on “Selling Equipment Protection Plans (extended warranties) for Profit.” It’s not all work at the In-Person Training. Participants enjoyed a night of fun, food, and beverages at Topgolf® as well as a tour of the terrific Kenworth truck facility. |
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Special thanks to Kenworth for hosting, Brian Ward for coordinating, and to the dealerships that participated in the program: Kenworth Sales, Kenworth Wisconsin, Inland Kenworth, Inland Truck & Equipment, Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, TA Truck Sales, and McMahon Truck Centers Louisville. We also very much appreciate our 2024 sponsors who made the training events possible: CAG Truck Capital, Cummins, Eaton, and NTP/Premium 2000. |
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You heading to UTA Convention? Don’t Miss Our Vital Workshops |
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The Used Truck Association (UTA) will take two of the industry’s biggest challenges head on with workshops at our upcoming November Convention. With sessions on Regulatory Changes/Emissions, and Retail Marketing/Smart Marketing Investment, UTA’s workshops have been chosen to help used truck dealers understand some of the most dynamic changes entering our industry.
Why should you attend?
Because trucking is changing monumentally, daily, and each day you wait to act and improve your business makes it that much harder to keep up with your competition, and in front of your customers.
What will you learn?
California regulators want to ban diesel engines by 2045, and they have a plan in the place to make it happen. The EPA isn’t as aggressive but also has committed to regulations that will limit the sale and continued use of legacy diesel engines.
If you think this won’t impact your business, you are kidding yourself. New emission regulations mean more highly advanced, difficult to maintain, complex aftertreatment technologies will soon find their way into the used truck space. How will you sell them? What will their market be? And thinking longer term, if diesels days are numbered, does our industry have an expiration date? It is unwise to assume regulators willing to upend the new truck market won’t even turn their eyes toward used equipment.
We also know you have equipment you need to move, and we think we can help you move it. During our marketing session, experts from several of the industry’s most renowned listing sites and auction houses will reveal their favorite marketing tactics. You will get a crash course in digital marketing with guidance on how to best allocate your marketing dollars to get results.
The market’s current period of complacency won’t last forever. Whether it happens after the election or in 2025, business will pick up. If you take time now to verse yourself in the best resources to promote your inventory to customers, you will reap the rewards of being one of the first dealers to ride the rising market wave when it inevitably returns.
How do I attend?
That’s the easy part. Just sign up today to attend the UTA’s 25th annual Convention, set for Nov. 13-16, at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. Registration can be found on the UTA convention website. Both workshops are scheduled for Thursday, November 14. Take time today to learn how to make your business stronger for tomorrow. We’ll see you there! Written by Lucas Deal, Chief Editor Truck, Parts, Service and UTA convention workshop moderator. |
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OPINION: Building Client Relationships in the AI Age: Networking in a High-Tech World by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long |
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In today's fast-paced business environment, artificial intelligence (AI) has become integral to many industries, reshaping how companies operate and interact with clients. While AI offers significant efficiencies, automation, and insights, the fundamental need to build and maintain strong client relationships remains unchanged. However, the |
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approach to networking and relationship-building must evolve to incorporate these new technologies effectively. AI is transforming industries by automating repetitive tasks, providing data-driven insights, and optimizing processes. In addition, outsourcing services to other countries has become part of the administration side of a business. These things are making face-to-face contact less critical. Still, trust, empathy, and personalization are crucial to relationship building, and cannot be replicated by machines.
Read full article
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USED TRUCK MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST |
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Barriers to Entry Remain Low
Following a better-than-expected July, it comes as no surprise that August’s preliminary Class 8 same dealer used truck retail sales volume growth (+1.7%) lagged expectations. Stubbornly persistent softness in spot freight and freight rates coupled with still high but improving inflation and interest rates, have failed to act as barriers to entry or dissuade truck buyers. Seasonality called for an increase of just over 9% m/m. Auction activity improved from July (+21%), as did wholesale transactions (+24%). Altogether, sales rose 12% from July. If history is to be believed, September retail slip about 2% lower. See full report |
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Summary
Auction volume increased in August 2024 and pricing dipped. Retail volume was typical, and depreciation was normal, with daycabs continuing to depreciate at a rate greater than sleepers. Class 8 Auction Update Sales volume at auctions in August increased moderately from July. Pricing was lower than last month, due partly to actual market movement but also unfavorable condition and mileage of trucks in the dataset this month. Looking at late-model sleeper tractors, average pricing for our benchmark truck in August was: · Model year 2021: $49,186; $111 (0.2%) higher than July · Model year 2020: $39,049; $1,016 (2.5%) lower than July · Model year 2019: $27,933; $5,978 (17.6%) lower than July ·Model year 2018: $22,076; $97 (0.4%) lower than July See full report |
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Used Truck Inventory Levels Decreasing While Semitrailer Inventory Continues To Rise
According to the new Sandhills Global market reports, inventory levels of used heavy-duty trucks in Sandhills’ marketplaces are decreasing. However, used semitrailer inventory continues to rise, driven by increases in dry van and flatbed trailers. The latest reports cover data for August 2024. The key metric in all of Sandhills’ market reports is the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI). Buyers and sellers can use the information in the Sandhills EVI to monitor equipment, truck, and trailer markets and maximize returns on acquisition, liquidation, and related business decisions. See full report |
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Kevin Hull and Wade Bontrager |
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Daimler Truck Promotes Karin Rådström to CEO Transport Topics Staff Reporter, Keiron Greenhalgh (September 4, 2024) — Daimler Truck announced that Karin Rådström will take over as CEO on October 1, replacing company veteran Martin Daum. Rådström joined Daimler Truck in February 2021 as head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Read more
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Darin Bishop, VP Western Region |
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Chris Russell, VP Eastern Region |
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National Truck Protection/Premium 2000 bolsters US Sales team, adds two new Regional Vice Presidents.
Darin Bishop, Vice President Western Region, brings over thirty years of experience in the HD truck industry as Branch Manager, Account Manager, Executive Director (Sales & Operations), New Truck Sales Director, General Manager, and Fixed Operation Manager. His impressive career includes notable tenures at Cobalt Truck Equipment, Smarter Equipment Finance, Lake International Trucks, River State Truck and Trailer, and Inland Kenworth.
Darin has an Associate of Science in Automotive and Diesel Technology from Universal Technical Institute. He is a graduate of the Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Training at San Bernardino Community College and has undergone extensive training with PACCAR, covering Manufacturing, Customer Service, PacLease Financial, and Parts and Service Operations.
Chris Russell, Vice President Eastern Region, has over twenty years of experience in the automotive and truck industry, including his recent 17 year career at Hino Motor Sales U.S.A. His management roles have included Dealer Operations, Sales Support, Parts Marketing and Sales, Program Development, Senior Manager of Parts Product Development & Aftermarket Sales, and Senior Manager of Business Development. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive & Heavy Equipment Management (AHEM) from Ferris State University and an Associate of Applied Science in General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) from Macomb Community College.
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Mack Trucks Unveils Virtual Truck Builder
Mack Trucks, Press Release (September 5, 2024) — Mack Trucks recently launched its cutting-edge Truck Builder, a digital platform that allows customers to customize their dream Mack® truck from the ground up. This innovative tool represents a comprehensive overhaul of Mack’s previous online truck customization technology and significantly enhances the user experience. Read more
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Mack Dealer Kriete Truck Centers Expands Upper Midwest Presence Mack Trucks, Press release (September 10, 2024) — Mack Trucks announced today that its long-standing dealer, Kriete Truck Centers, has expanded its operations through a strategic acquisition of La Crosse Truck Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. "We're encouraged by Kriete Truck Centers' continued growth and investment in the Mack brand," said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. Read full press release
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FTR: Class 8 Truck Production Outpacing Expectations Transport Topics, Keiron Greenhalgh, Staff Reporter (September 10, 2024) — North American Class 8 truck production continues to outperform expectations, according to Dan Moyer, FTR Transportation Intelligence senior analyst for commercial vehicles. FTR expects North American Class 8 factory shipments to total 308,200 vehicles, down 6.6% year over year, but an increase of 23.9% compared with the research group’s March forecast of 248,800 vehicles. Read more
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Hendrickson Expands Their Primaax Ex® Offering At International Hendrickson, Press Release (September 11, 2024) — Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems announced today that they have partnered with International® Trucks to launch a new variant of PRIMAAX® EX - the severe-duty vocational rear air suspension system. The new options for the suspension include 12-inch ride height as well as 52,000-pound capacity with air disc brake clearance as a part of the chassis enhancements for International’s HV truck model. Read full press release
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Mack Trucks Enters Long-Term Partnership with Richard Childress Racing Mack Trucks, Press Release (September 12, 2024) — Mack Trucks and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) today announced a long-term partnership under which Mack will be designated as the “Official Long-Haul Truck of Richard Childress Racing.” As part of the agreement, Mack will provide a fleet of customized Mack Anthem® 70-inch Stand-Up Sleeper models dedicated to meeting the needs of RCR during the grueling NASCAR season. Read full press release
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Medium-Duty Truck Sales Dip 1% in August Year Over Year Transport Topics, Staff Reporter, Connor D. Wolf (September 17, 2024) — U.S. retail sales of medium-duty trucks experienced a slight year-over-year decline in August, according to data from Wards Intelligence. Classes 4-7 total retail truck sales for the month declined 1% to 22,797 units compared with 23,026 in the year-ago period. Read more
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Volvo Receives Order For 300 Electric Trucks From DSV
Volvo Trucks, Press Release (August 22, 2024) — Volvo Trucks and global logistics company DSV have signed a cooperation agreement for 300 electric heavy trucks. The deal is one of the largest commercial orders to date for Volvo electric trucks. With the order, DSV will have one of the largest company fleets of heavy electric trucks in Europe.
Read full press release
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Velocity EV rebrands as RIZON Trucks, Parts, Services Staff (September 9, 2024) — Velocity EV has rebranded as RIZON USA, authorized distributor of the RIZON brand, manufactured by Daimler Truck, the company announced Thursday. Under the new name, the company will continue expanding its national dealer network for it's zero-emissions, medium-duty trucks. Read more
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(EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/Getty Images)
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After EVs, China’s CATL Seeks to Dominate Electric Trucks Transport Topics, Chunying Zhang (September 16, 2024) — Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. has in a short space of time become the world’s largest maker of electric car batteries. Now the Chinese company wants to dominate in trucks globally, copying the success seen in its home market. Read more
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First Heavy Electrics Arrive in Wisconsin
Commercial Carrier Journal, Jason Cannon (September 17, 2024) — There's almost nothing more annoying than trying to sleep late on trash day and being shocked awake by the noisy garbage truck. The city of Madison, Wisconsin, has cut out much of the noise and all of the emissions with two battery electric Mack LR models from Kriete Truck Centers. Read more
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Used Truck Association
Impact Association Management
1502 W Broadway, Suite 102 • Madison, WI 53713
Phone: 877-438-7882 (877-Gets-UTA)
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