Scotlynn partners with KRTS, provides late model training truck

2014-01-24

CALEDONIA, Ont. -- Scotlynn Commodities has provided KRTS Transportation Specialists with a late model Peterbilt tractor and reefer trailer to be used to train the next generation of professional drivers.

The carrier was the first to be named a KRTS Preferred Partner, according to the company.

“The Scotlynn team believes that supplying state of the art equipment for KRTS students to be educated on will help lead them to Scotlynn upon graduation,” KRTS announced in a release. “Scotlynn staff also visit the KRTS campus to meet new students and discuss the opportunities available at the long-haul carrier. Once a month, KRTS students tour the beautiful Scotlynn facility in Vittoria and meet some of the other members of their team.”

KRTS also has been charged with the training of Scotlynn’s driver trainers.

Scotlynn hopes to mould some of these new professional drivers into owner/operators, by assisting with the financing of their trucks. Scotlynn has an on-site Peterbilt dealership to expedite the service and parts supply for the O/O, reducing downtime.

Next, Scotlynn plans to develop an apprenticeship program for new hires.

“Scotlynn is in our neck of the woods, and we have known about them for years, but we had never had the opportunity to do business with them. I was very surprised by the synergy between our companies – once we sat down together, it did not take long to come up with a plan,” said KRTS president Kim Richardson.

“We have been very pleased to join in this partnership with KRTS,” added Scotlynn president Scott Biddle. “With their excellent reputation, we knew we would have the opportunity to hire some of the best trained drivers around. Supplying equipment for them to use was an easy decision for us, considering the return we stand to gain on the investment.”

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International Web site provides better truck-building experience

2014-01-13

LISLE, Ill. -- Navistar has posted new truck configurators that allow customers to design their own International ProStar, DuraStar or TerraStar truck models.

“We know that an increasing number of customers in the commercial truck industry are researching their product wants, needs and desires online before visiting a dealership,” said Michael Cerilli, vice-president, marketing, Navistar. “It’s all about empowering the user to spec’ their desired truck with the click of a mouse. The more we can provide useful tools to aid in their purchase process, the more likely we are to earn their business.”  

The new configurators build on earlier versions, adding high-resolution 3-D images, additional spec’ing options and an improved user interface, the company announced. Users start by selecting their cab type and BBC length and then add options such as bumpers, mirrors, aero packages and exterior features.

They can also choose the desired engine, transmission and axle options. Finally, customers can choose an interior trim and creature comforts before requesting a price quote and scheduling a test drive with their local dealer.

“We’ve seen great engagement for the configurators in beta testing,” said Bryan Sorensen, director, digital marketing, Navistar. “Traffic to InternationalTrucks.com has increased nearly 20% and users who engage with the tools are spending twice as long on the site compared to those who don’t use the configurator.”

“We know that customers are online and learning about how our portfolio of commercial trucks can deliver for them,” Sorensen added. “Our dealerships, too, are already reaping rewards, as the online truck configurator is spurring potential customers to visit their local International Truck dealerships and learn more about our offerings.”

The configurators are available at www.InternationalTrucks.com.

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