NTEA.com, the National Truck Equipment Association’s
(NTEA) website, is a valuable
resource consisting of information specific to your business in the commercial
truck and transportation equipment industry. The site serves as a major online
hub for the association’s 1,500 members as well as for all segments of
the industry and is devoted to expanding the knowledge and abilities of
industry professionals. One resource that you may not be aware of is
NTEA.com’s “Tech Center.” Representing one of the largest
collections of truck technical resources on the web, the Tech Center provides
access to hundreds of NTEA articles and publications designed to promote
superior industry technology, business by business.
Stumped by an engineering challenge? NTEA staff dedicates
much of their time talking with members and answering questions related to
regulatory compliance, federal excise tax, federal safety standards, weight
distribution, vehicle size and weight requirements, and other industry issues.
The Tech Center’s “Technical Support” link provides
information on how nonmembers can contact the association’s Engineering
and Technical Services Department for one courtesy call to sample this personal
service.
The Hoist Capacity Database is another resource available
and commonly referenced in the Tech Center. This powerful tool allows you to
search capacity ratings for dump body and conversion hoists based on length,
class and/or manufacturer. A list of manufacturers with their contact
information is included on the page.
The Tech Center also provides information about chassis
manufacturers. Literature is available from the following manufacturers: Dodge
Truck; Ford Motor Co.; Freightliner; General Motors (Chevrolet); General Motors
(Isuzu); Hino Diesel Trucks (USA) Inc.; International Truck and Engine Corp.;
Kenworth; Mack Trucks; Mitsubishi FUSO; Nissan Diesel America Inc.; Peterbilt;
Sterling; Toyota; Volvo Trucks of North America Inc.; and Workhorse Custom
Chassis. NTEA members have additional access to contact information for expert
body-builder advice. In a similar vein, the NTEA posts a list of technical
bulletins provided by the chassis manufacturers in the “Technical
Reports” section of the Tech Center.
An opportunity to network with other industry participants
in your particular niche group resides in the “NTEA Affiliate
Divisions” link within the Tech Center. Specific segments include
articulating cranes, service body manufacturers, ambulance manufacturers, body
and hoist manufacturers, small school buses, mid-size bus manufacturers, snow
control equipment manufacturers, towing equipment manufacturers and van body
manufacturers. Visit the link to learn more about each particular group and the
challenges they face.
Interested in raising the credibility of your business? The
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a formal,
recognized certification process for service technicians. Successful
technicians are recognized for their competency level and skill. Certification
increases their professionalism as they become more competent in certain areas
in order to pass the test. ASE-certified technicians position your company as
being progressive and professional. To find out more about ASE certification,
visit the Tech Center’s “ASE Certification” link.
