Parts for Trucks Podcast

Episode 6: In this summer-themed episode of the Parts for Trucks Podcast, host Jamie Irvine dives into the critical topic of keeping commercial vehicles cool during the hottest months of the year. With rising temperatures posing serious risks to drivers and equipment, Jamie is joined by Ken Brandt from Horton and Mike Helm from Arctic Traveler Canada to explore preventative maintenance strategies, cooling system technologies, and practical tips for fleets. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive care to avoid costly breakdowns and ensure driver safety and comfort.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Heat Risks for Drivers and Equipment: How extreme summer temperatures impact truck drivers, mobile technicians, and cooling systems.
• Cooling System Failures: Common causes of overheating, including fan clutch issues and AC system leaks.
• Fan Clutch Technologies: Overview of on/off, two-speed, and variable-speed fan clutches and their applications.
• Preventative Maintenance: Best practices for inspecting and maintaining cooling systems, including air pressure checks, component inspections, and rebuild intervals.
• Remanufacturing Insights: Horton’s high standards for reman fan clutches and how fleets can benefit from reman programs.
• Inventory and Support Tools: Horton’s VIN decoder, Quick View tool, and Power BI reporting to streamline parts identification and availability.
• AC System Maintenance: Tips from Arctic Traveler Canada on preventing AC failures, including running systems in winter and replacing dryers after repairs.
• Vocational Equipment Support: Specialized solutions for off-road, agricultural, and mining equipment cooling systems.

Resources Mentioned: 

• Parts for Trucks Website
• Horton’s 17-digit VIN Decoder Tool
• Horton Quick View Inventory Tool
• Preventative Maintenance Checklists from Horton
• Arctic Traveler Canada’s HVAC support and custom coil manufacturing

Guest Bio: 

• Ken Brandt – Director of On Road, Horton: With over 40 years in the heavy-duty industry and 25 years at Horton, Ken Brandt brings deep expertise in fan clutch technology and fleet support. He oversees Horton’s On Road division and is a passionate advocate for preventative maintenance and customer training. Ken has played a key role in developing Horton’s remanufacturing standards and support tools for distributors and fleets.
  
  
• Mike Helm – Arctic Traveler Canada: Mike Helm represents Arctic Traveler Canada, a company specializing in HVAC systems for commercial, agricultural, and off-road vehicles since 1960. With a strong focus on preventative maintenance and customer education, Mike supports fleets across Canada in maintaining reliable AC systems and minimizing downtime during extreme weather conditions.

Connect With Us: Available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. 

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc. for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more... 

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.

Episode 5: In this episode of the Parts for Trucks Podcast, host Jamie Irvine explores how the right tools can significantly enhance both productivity and safety in the heavy-duty trucking industry. Featuring in-depth conversations with Jake Malpass from Milwaukee Tools and Mark Keegans from AlmaMates, the episode dives into innovative tool systems designed to reduce technician strain, improve workflow efficiency, and prevent workplace injuries.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Milwaukee Tools Innovations
  • The evolution from pneumatic to cordless tools
  • M12 and M18 platforms: differences and applications
  • One-Key technology for torque precision and repeatability
  • RedLink Plus Intelligence for tool safety and performance
  • Packout modular storage system for mobile and shop-based efficiency
  • Ergonomic and safety-focused tool designs
• AlmaMates BrakeMate System
  • Philosophy of technician-first tool design
  • No strain, no pain approach to brake and wheel-end maintenance
  • Compatibility with various truck and trailer brands
  • Tools for air disc and foundation brake systems
  • Real-world examples of injury prevention and productivity gains
  • Scalable system for shops of all sizes
• Industry Impact
  • The cost of workplace injuries and lost productivity
  • How tool innovation supports technician morale and retention
  • Using advanced tools as a recruitment and retention strategy

Resources Mentioned: 

• Parts for Trucks Website
• Milwaukee Tools M12 & M18 platforms
• Milwaukee One-Key and RedLink Plus Intelligence
• AlmaMates BrakeMate and accessory tools
• E-Service platform for Milwaukee tool repairs
• Training and demo opportunities through Parts for Trucks locations

Guest Bio: 

• Jake Malpass is the Product Manager for Core Tooling at Milwaukee Tools. With over seven years at the company, he brings deep expertise in cordless tool innovation and user-focused design. Jake is passionate about improving safety and productivity for professionals in the heavy-duty trucking industry through cutting-edge tool solutions.
• Mark Keegans is the founder of AlmaMates, a company dedicated to creating technician-friendly tools for wheel-end and brake maintenance. With over 25 years in the trucking industry, Mark’s mission is to eliminate technician strain and injury through thoughtful, ergonomic tool design. His “no strain, no pain” philosophy is at the heart of the BrakeMate system.

Connect With Us: Available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. 

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc. for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more... 

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.

Episode 4: The only thing stopping 80,000 pounds from crashing into you and your family on our highways are the brakes on commercial vehicles. Commercial fleets must balance safety for the public and their drivers with the economics of operating a commercial trucking fleet in Canada. The stakes have never been higher and one bad decision on brakes can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Key Topics Covered 

• Brake Safety Week in Canada found 12.6% of inspections led to brake-related out-of-service violations 
• Investing 8-10% more in quality brake components can significantly reduce total operating costs 
• One fleet saved nearly $100,000 by upgrading to higher quality friction materials 
• Air disc brakes now account for 50% of North American Class 8 trucks, expected to reach 75% by 2030 
• Proper brake identification requires understanding differences between manufacturers and models 
• Quality friction materials contain better lubricants, abrasives, and undergo more precise manufacturing 
• Thorough brake inspections must check component wear, air system integrity, and proper adjustment 
• Technicians must verify brake geometry and stroke measurements during installation and adjustment

Guest Bios 

• Jay Kay: Joe has been with the Brake engineering team for 30 years.  Joe started when the company was Rockwell International, then it became Meritor and now is part of Cummins. 
• Robert Goodwin: Robert has 53 years of experience in heavy-duty parts and has been with PFT for 38 years, he is now serving as our Manager, Customer Care Help Desk in Eastern Canada. 
• Phil Hutton: Service Manager in our Dartmouth. Phil leads his team as they service our customers equipment.

Connect with Us: This podcast is available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. 

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more... 

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.

Episode 3: In this episode, host Jamie Irvine and his guests provide a comprehensive overview of the company’s capabilities and its commitment to the Canadian trucking industry. Featuring interviews with Luke McKenzie, Matt Pounder, and Sam LeBlanc, their discussions emphasize the company’s mission to make business easier for our customers and the ways that Parts For Trucks is changing the parts and service industry in Canada.

Key Topics Covered

• Company Overview: Parts For Trucks operates 32 locations across Canada, including two distribution centers, 16 parts stores, 12 parts and service locations, and three trailer shops, with over 650 employees.
• Mission and Purpose: The company exists to strengthen the Canadian transportation industry by improving efficiency and to build a Canadian-owned national player that creates career opportunities.
• Parts Access: Curating high-quality products from top vendors to meet customer needs, reducing downtime and total cost of operation.
• Service Capabilities: Offering consistent, coast-to-coast repair services to address technician shortages and provide insights that enhance parts distribution.
• Future Vision: Expanding locations, enhancing talent, and reducing customer friction through accessible purchasing options (online, in-store, phone).

Resources Mentioned

• Parts For Trucks website: PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for episode access, subscription links, and additional content.

Guest Bios

• Luke McKenzie: President of Parts For Trucks, Luke works every day to build a strong Canadian-owned business and he is committed to maintaining the Parts For Trucks’ legacy while advocating for industry issues like right-to-repair.
• Matt Pounder: A seasoned parts professional, Matt emphasizes active listening and tailored solutions to meet customer needs, leveraging vendor training and the company’s learning management system to enhance counter staff expertise and build lasting customer relationships.
• Sam LeBlanc: Service Manager at Parts For Trucks’ Moncton location in the Eastern Region, Sam leads his team in identifying root causes of failures, minimizing downtime, and delivering solutions that keep customers’ operations running smoothly.

Connect With Us: Available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more...

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.

Episode 2: What happens when the trucking industry's wheels stop turning? It's a question most Canadians never consider, but every essential item in your home—food, medicine, clothing, fuel—arrived on a truck. Without the trucking industry, our way of life would grind to a halt. But what is the history of this industry we are so reliant on?

This second episode of the Parts for Trucks podcast takes you on a journey through a century of Canadian trucking history and reveals the remarkable story behind one of the industry's most enduring companies.

Key Topics Covered

• Evolution of the Transportation Industry: From canoes, corduroy roads, horse-and-wagon, and steam powered trains to diesel powered commercial trucks pulling 53 foot trailers, the transportation industry has evolved over the last 200+ years. 
• Impact of Historical Events: The Great Depression and World War II spurred infrastructure growth, boosting the trucking industry’s expansion.
• History of Parts For Trucks: Founded in 1919 as Scotia Garage, rebranded to Parts For Trucks in 1987, and expanded coast-to-coast with acquisitions in 2017 and 2022.
• Canada-US Trade Relations: The trucking industry’s growth through agreements like NAFTA, navigating tariffs and regulations, and its critical role in 90% of consumer goods transport.
• Canadian Identity: The pride in supporting a vital industry, fostering innovation, and contributing to Canada’s global reputation of resilience.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: 100 Years of Trucking in Atlantic Canada by Joel Miller, available digitally through Parts For Trucks.
• Parts For Trucks website: PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for episode access and additional content.

Guest Bios:

• Joel Miller: Author of 100 Years of Trucking in Atlantic Canada, commissioned by Parts For Trucks to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2019. 
• Andy Raymond: Former co-owner of Parts For Trucks, Andy joined the company in the 1970s, contributing to its growth through technological innovations, such as early computer systems, and the 1987 rebranding to Parts For Trucks. Alongside his brother Paul, he led the company with a team-oriented approach until its sale to the Miller family in 2017.
• Corey Miller: CEO of Parts For Trucks, Corey, alongside his brother Brett, acquired the company in 2017. Growing up in the tire business, he brings a deep respect for the heavy-duty industry and a commitment to making Parts For Trucks the easiest supplier to work with.

Connect With Us: Available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more...

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.

Episode 1: Join Jamie Irvine, National Sales Director at Parts For Trucks, on the Parts For Trucks Podcast, where we empower heavy-duty trucking professionals with tools, strategies, and knowledge to excel. In our debut episode, discover our promise to make your job easier, cut costs, and elevate your performance in an industry that’s the backbone of society. Tune in for practical insights and stay for the passion—because what you do matters. 

Key Topics Covered

• The importance of the heavy-duty trucking industry to society and the economy.
• The podcast’s goals: providing tools, strategies, and knowledge to simplify work, reduce costs, and improve performance.
• How Parts For Trucks plans to share expertise from experienced professionals within the company and its supplier network.

Resources Mentioned

• Parts For Trucks website: PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for episode access and links.

Host Bio: Jamie Irvine is the National Sales Director at Parts For Trucks and the host of the Parts For Trucks podcast. With nearly 30 years in the heavy-duty parts industry, Jamie has extensive experience in manufacturing, remanufacturing, distribution, and sales. Jamie previously hosted over 350 episodes of The Heavy Duty Parts Report and has consulted with numerous manufacturers, distributors, and service companies.

Connect With Us: Available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more...

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.