In business since January 2008, the primary focus of Hunter Transportation is on-time service of LTL freight to all states, along with hauling bakery waste used to make animal feed. The operation consists of scheduled routes and on-demand deliveries. The small fleet is powered by a mix of Freightliner Coronados and Cascadias, with one International and one Kenworth T660.
Q: How are maintenance and repairs handled? What do you do in your shop?
A: We have certified mechanics who handle our major repairs and also work on outside customers’ equipment. Our own shop handles routine maintenance. We’ve found that keeping drivers in their trucks helps them take pride in their vehicles and keeps maintenance to a minimum.
Q: What are the major challenges you face with your maintenance/repair program? How do you handle them?
A: Emissions systems, A/C, and tires are the three big challenges. We work to educate our mechanics and drivers.
Q: How do you handle the maintenance on your trucks and/or trailers to minimize downtime?
A: We emphasize preventive maintenance and the importance of daily communication, both verbal and written, by drivers who are ultimately responsible for their own trucks.
Q: What are your mileage/time intervals on preventive maintenance?
A: 15,000 mi. for tractors and three months for trailers.
Q: How do you ensure good mileage from tires?
A: We do proper inflation and tire rotation during every other oil change on tractors.
Q: Do you stock any parts for your trucks or purchase as needed?
A: We stock only filters and supplies for preventive maintenance; parts are delivered to our shop as needed. Our motto is plan the work, then work the plan.
Q: How do you determine when it’s time to replace a truck or trailer?
A: Cost. When it costs more to fix than the value (of the truck or trailer), then it’s time to replace.
Q: What are your specs for your trucks?
A: Used trucks with low mileage.
Q: What programs do you have in place to ensure CSA compliance?
A: Dispatch handles drivers and files: truck files, driver files, maintenance files, and accident files. We utilize Axon software to track all information for our trucking company and Midwest Toxicology for drug and alcohol compliance.
Q: What do you enjoy most about trucking and hauling the type of freight you do?
A: We enjoy working for ourselves and building a small business, and working with great drivers and business suppliers.
Q: What does your company do best?
A: “On-time service.”
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