Tire-Inflation Systems Can Mean Income Inflation
In addition to fuel and tire cost savings, fleets are also factoring in driver retention, because an inflation system virtually guarantees reduced downtime from tire failure.
Mark Putz
Associate Editor
Fleets are emerging from survival mode. They are adding capacity, buying trailers. And smart truckers - operators who have survived the past three years - know that they can't rely on surcharges when diesel prices are so volatile. They must constantly look for that extra edge in operations, not rates. They know the only way to make money is by running efficiently. This includes actively calculating cost per mile with trailer tires.
For many, this means spec'ing some form of tire-inflation system on the trailers they're buying to meet capacity.
"Fleet managers are well educated when it comes to keeping air in their trailer tires," says Ralph O'Donnell, co-founder of Midwest Utility in Burr Ridge, Ill.
When tire inflation systems are functioning properly, you're in fat city: saving fuel and maintenance costs. The rub arises in aftercare, trying to find service or parts when a driver breaks down in West Texas.
In other words, fleets have suffered the growing pains associated with any emerging technology: They've dealt with the issue of captive parts and service on the road. But these problems are going away, as the big players in the industry like Hendrickson and Dana are committed to selling more systems than ever, thus spreading information and service in an ever-widening network.
"We have helped our customers spec thousands of tire-inflation systems," O'Donnell says. "In the past, there have been shortcomings." He now has confidence in recommending automatic inflation on trailers he sells to his customers.
The Big Picture
In addition to fuel and tire cost savings, fleets are also factoring in driver retention, because an inflation system virtually guarantees reduced downtime from tire failure. Downtime looms large for drivers, who only make money when the wheels are turning. Knowing their trailer tires won't let them down is one of those things that brings in good drivers and keeps them. When you consider that the average tire failure equals three or four hours of downtime, drivers understandably favor tire-inflation systems. And it goes without saying that with today's time squeeze, drivers appreciate systems that shorten pre-trip inspections.
"The driver shortage is just something we have to deal with," says one recruiter. And any fleet that can tout the safety and efficiency of its trailers is going to come out on top in the battle for good drivers.
Operations in the Sun Belt have led the way in spec'ing tire-inflation systems, but fleets and drivers across the country know that tire service can steal three or four hours from the workday.
Since trailer tires remain in service longer than drives or steers, an inflation system adds to the life of the casing. For example, LTL or TL fleets simply cannot afford an en-route failure. These fleets typically set age limits on casings to a maximum of four years. But with the excellent inflation maintenance offered by automatic systems, these fleets are able to extend casing age limits to the six-year range.
"Within five years these systems may be standard, like ABS," O'Donnell predicts. "We don't make recommendations casually. We are in business to provide our customers with trailers year after year and we won't risk our reputation by recommending a system the customer is going be unhappy with."
As the overall economy wakes up, spec the tires and trailer you always wanted - but couldn't afford.
