Behind the scenes at Contrans: Challenges of a big fleet and many moving parts

The diversified and expansive trucking operation at the Contrans Group, which itself is part of TFI International Co. (No. 9 on the FleetOwner 500: For-Hire), brings with it all kinds of challenges.

The Contrans flatbed and tank and the Laidlaw van and bulk businesses provide conventional and specialized truckload services hauling steel, building and construction materials, equipment and machinery, forest products, and commodities across Canada and in parts of the continental United States.

“While we operate a total of about 2,300 power units and a large number of different trailer types, we focus on consistency,” said Doug Martin, Contrans Group’s director of maintenance. “Controlling costs is essential, but what’s most important is keeping trucks out of the shop because uptime is what lets us provide exceptional customer service. Most of all, we need reliable equipment we can keep on the road.”

Contrans Group’s tractor purchases reflect its experience with different makes and models and the availability of OEM dealer support in different regions. Currently, the Contrans fleet includes Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Volvo day cabs and sleepers.

The ability to haul maximum weights in many of its operations is important at Contrans, so Martin noted that lightweight specs are always considered. One weight-saving technology, however, wasn’t originally chosen for that reason.

“The issue was dead batteries,” Martin explained. “When drivers forget to turn off comfort and convenience items, especially in remote and western locations where it can get very cold, we had a lot of no starts that required a service call, which impacted operations and could cost as much as $1,000.”

“For the past 10 years, we’ve been replacing our trucks’ four starting batteries with supercapacitors,” he continued. “A supercapacitor doesn’t care what the temperature is, so its performance is not hindered by extreme cold. It also puts out three times the amperage of an average lead acid battery. When those are depleted, low voltage can cause cable and starter failures due to higher resistance. Supercapacitors are a game-changer for us.”

In 2022, Contrans started spec’ing the SkelStart engine start module from Skeleton Technologies. So far, Martin noted, unlike previous supercapacitors, the SkelStarts haven’t failed.

Available as a factory-installed option, the SkelStart engine start module replaces four starting batteries, all their cables, and the battery box, saving about 700 lb. per vehicle. “We’re an extremely weight-sensitive fleet, and that saving translates into greater cargo capacity and higher revenue per load,” Martin said.

“But the lower weight was a fringe benefit,” he added. “Converting to supercapacitors has cut down on road calls and cold start problems, and they lower fuel use because we can reduce idle time by allowing drivers to run our electric APUs for cab comfort longer without worrying about whether the truck will start.”

In addition to its use of supercapacitors to successfully address that one equipment challenge, Contrans is equally focused on providing high-quality maintenance services across its entire fleet. Across Canada, 14 shops are part of the operation, ranging from large facilities with more than 20 technicians to smaller shops that have four or five staff members.

“Our technician counts vary based on our operations in a given region. But across the board, we outsource very little, preferring to handle service for power units and trailers in-house,” Martin explained. “Each shop is run like a separate business, but at the same time, we have uniform programs and products. Any truck can go into any of our shops and get the same service and the same products using our national accounts for maintenance items, oils and lubricants, and tires.”

Contrans service facilities are overseen by a single management group. That team also relies on MIR-RT maintenance management software to provide centralized access to work orders, planning tools for preventive maintenance, repairs and inspections, technician scheduling, vehicle data, parts inventories, warranties, and claims tools.

Things change almost every day at the Contrans Group.

“There are a lot of moving parts in an operation this big and diverse,” Martin stated. “Then there are different challenges, like those we’re experiencing in the supply chain. What used to mean having a Plan A and a Plan B to make sure we have the equipment and support services to keep trucks moving now requires having plans C, D, and E as well. That way, our divisions can concentrate on hauling freight.”