Tex-Mix Concrete is only as profitable as its trucks are reliable. That’s why the company chooses Freightliner. Freightliner designs trucks for easy upfit, productivity, and low maintenance. Freightliner, backed by a support team that’s there when needed, is able to help Tex-Mix lower its Real Cost of Ownership (RCO).
The Freightliner 114SD is the truck Tex-Mix prefers for its mixers because of its reliability and durability. And, because the company equips it with the powerful Detroit™ DD13® engine and Detroit Virtual Technician™ onboard diagnostic system, it’s not only a tough truck, it’s a smart one. The perfect combination of brains and brawn, built to keep Tex-Mix’s payload moving and delivering profits.
ROUGH CONDITIONS
Tex-Mix manufactures and delivers ready-mix concrete. The company currently has seven plants—with another two in construction—and 88 trucks on the road. “We carry very heavy loads on a narrow wheel base. We have to take those loads off-road into difficult situations,” says Tex-Mix CEO, Logan Owens. “It’s important to us that we have a truck that is able to handle those conditions.”
Owens says that Tex-Mix fleet manager, James Larue, prefers Freightliner trucks because of the low cost of maintenance, the RCO, and his relationship with the dealers.
“I’m the one that has to work on the trucks, I have to have my guys work on the trucks, so I want a truck that is reliable, easy to maintain, and where we get good product support,” says Larue. “Freightliner is really responsive to our needs. If we need parts overnight, they give them to us. If we need advice on maintenance, they’re a phone call away. If we do have to send a truck in for service, they make it a priority to get our trucks in, get them out, and get them back to us.”
Featured Image: Tex-Mix fleet manager, James Larue, prefers Freightliner trucks because of the low cost of maintenance, the RCO, and his relationship with the dealers.
Above: The Freightliner 114SD is the truck Tex-Mix prefers for its mixers because of
its reliability and durability.
MADE FOR THE WORKER
A driver’s perception of a truck is an important factor in getting the most productivity and least turnover.
“I think our drivers and our mechanics would say that Freightliner trucks are dependable and reliable,” says Larue. “The drivers like the comfort of the trucks, they like the way the trucks handle; they have a nice, smooth ride.” One of the top features is the trucks’ turning radius, which allows for more controlled movement around the jobsite and in tight situations.
Tex-Mix’s Freightliners are also enjoyable to work on. “Our mechanics enjoy working on them. We’re able to get parts quickly, we’re able to get the support we need to keep our equipment on the road,” says Larue.
ON THE ROAD
Experiencing downtime is something no business wants. It affects everything from the driver to the customer and, especially, the bottom line. “If a truck is out of service, then we’re not able to generate revenue from it. If a truck goes down in the middle of the day, we often lose a load,” says Owens.
“Concrete is a perishable product and if we don’t keep the load active in the truck, then we lose the cost of the product and about $3,500 in getting it removed from the drum,” says Larue. Add to that the three to seven days lost from the truck being down, and you’ve found yourself in a money pit.
“The biggest way that running Freightliners improves our RCO,” says Owens, “is in keeping our trucks on the road as much as possible.”
If a truck goes down during the day and a load hardens in the drum, that can cost Tex-Mix $3,500 to remove the hardened concrete, the cost of the load, and three to seven days of downtime.
FLEET MANAGER’S DREAM
Probably a fleet manager’s best friend is the Virtual Technician equipped on Tex-Mix’s Freightliner trucks. Virtual Technician allows Larue to manage a fleet that covers a wide geographic area—and manage it well. “Virtual Technician is an important tool,” says Owens. “It enables us to continue to grow the company under the direction of one fleet manager.”
“With the Virtual Technician, as a fleet manager, it helps me do my job a lot easier. If there is a major issue, I get the email right away. If there is a minor code that won’t affect anything, we can go ahead and keep the truck in service. The driver can finish out the day and we can take care of it that evening at the end of the shift,” says Larue.
“Every Freightliner we buy in the future is going to have Virtual Technician,” says Owens.
“As we continue to grow Tex-Mix, we’re going to continue to buy Freightliner trucks.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Find out more about the Freightliner 114SD and other Freightliner products and services, visit www.freightlinertrucks.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: AUGUST 2016 ISSUE
Did you enjoy this article?
Subscribe to the FREE Digital Edition of Modern WorkTruck Solutions magazine.
