Study Group Information Reports

As with many sectors of the U.S. economy, counterfeit parts have found their way into thetrucking industry. While the exact cost to the trucking industry is difficult to determine, it is estimated that counterfeiting represents a $12 billion per year problem for the entire automotive industry. Beyond just the monetary costs are the added safety concerns of these counterfeitproducts. For example, a single counterfeit brake valve can significantly decrease the overallperformance of a truck’s brake system.

The Performance Review Institute (PRI) has released an updated list of products reviewed by its Brake Lining Review Committee.The committee verifies the brakelinings have met test criteria established in TMC RP 628B and agrees with the specification data submitted by the manufacturer.

Issued: July 2011

This TMC Information Report provides equipment managers insight into how “Standard Repair Time” (SRT) guides are developed and used in support of equipment maintenance and repair. Equipment managers should recognize that SRT guides used by service providers vary for avariety reasons, such as corporate policy and affiliation, and access to specific SRT guides.

Issued: June 2011

Most fleets use a thoughtful approach in the hiring of technicians. However, many of these same companies take a minimalist approach to matriculation. This can lead to poor performance, unacceptable conduct issues and poor employee retention. The purpose of this document is to help fleet managers ensure that all newly hired graduates of technical trade schools make a successful transition to the next level of their career objectives.

The purpose of this Recommended Practice (RP) is to provide information for judging the performance of aftermarket brake linings on air-actuated foundation brakes, including testing in accordance with the dynamometer test procedure in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 121 and lining supplierqualification information. Such information will assist fleet operators in choosing aftermarket brake liningsthat will perform adequately on typical combination (tractor/trailer) vehicles and single trucks.

Issued: June 2009

Technological advancements in truck technology have increased driver distraction. This information report offers a process by which fleets may assess the potential for driver distractionassociated with the acquisition of new technologies.

Issued: May 2009

Section 609 of the Clean Air Act of 1990 (as amended) requires that motor vehicle air conditioning refrigerant be recycled, that only recover/recycle or recover-only equipment approved for a specific refrigerant be used in the repairing or servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners, and that technicians who repair or service motor vehicle air conditioners be trained and certified by an EPA-approved organization. In addition, service shops must be able to certify that they comply with these provisions of the Act.

State maintenance councils can offer a reasonable, local alternative for fleet personnel wishing to network with peers and gain exposure to industry information. However, many areas of North America do not have a state, regional or local maintenance council. The purpose of this information report is to review the benefits joining or developing a state, regional or local maintenance council.

Issued: March 2007

The occupational outlook for employment of truck service and repair technicians remains strong and is expected to increase at an average pace for the next 10 years. There is a strong need for technicians because of industry growth as well as openings associated with turnover and retirement. This, coupled with the pace of changing truck technology, provides a challenge to managers in finding interested and qualified technicians to fill these positions. The trucking industry needs to establish a method to develop technicians with appropriate skills.

Recruiting and retaining qualified commercial vehicle technicians has become a very challenging task. Aside from purely economic factors, the reasons for this are fourfold: