TMCSuperTech2017 S P E C I A L R E P O R T
Learn How To Unlock
Technology’s Promise
TMC FALL MEETING
rofessionals in transportation continue to realize
increased vehicle complexity and rapid technological
change. Th ese challenges demand diligent
attention to detail and careful consideration.
Shipper expectations, government regulations,
engineering advances and CSA (Compliance,
Safety, Accountability) compliance issues require
commercial vehicle fl eets to be ever vigilant so
they can stay safe, effi cient and profi table.
Fleets must scrutinize each investment into
their operations and vehicle maintenance
programs. Many of them turn to the Technology
& Maintenance Council (TMC) to help make business
decisions on maintenance and spec’ing issues.
Emerging technology holds opportunity for
fl eets who can recognize its potential and implement
it judiciously. Th at is why TMC offi cials chose
Unlocking Technology’s Promise as the theme of
the 2017 annual Fall Meeting.
Th is year’s meeting will take place Sept. 16-21 at
the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Fla.
It is held in conjunction with TMCSuperTech2017,
the National Technician Skills Competition.
TMC (www.trucking.org/Technology_Council.
aspx) is comprised of a broad collection of experienced
fl eets, equipment suppliers and service
providers. Th e industry association is focused
solely on truck technology and maintenance. Its
members call on real-world experience as they
work together to create industry best practices
in truck technology and maintenance, to help
improve trucking equipment and transportation
effi ciencies throughout North America.
56 Fleet Maintenance | JULY 2017
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
Th e 2017 Fall Meeting will host a number of
educational sessions so fl eet maintenance professionals
can stay attuned to industry trends. It
will feature two technical sessions, to be held on
Sept. 20 and Sept. 21, respectively. Each session
is 90 minutes long.
The challenge and pitfalls of
implementing new technology
Th e power of various technology solutions to
deliver transformational benefi ts to organizations
of every shape and size is well understood. Yet
the deployment of technology remains a critical
area that is too oft en underestimated for the role it
plays in the overall success of, and return gained
from, a technology investment.
Does your operation have the right approach
to introducing new technologies and methods?
Attendees at this technical session will learn the
top fi ve reasons why technology deployments fail
and what fl eets can do to avoid these pitfalls.
Panelists will include expert fl eet personnel and
representatives of companies that specialize in
technology implementation solutions.
Vehicle Securitization: What to know
about lock-out/tag-out procedures
For safety and liability reasons, fl eets should
ensure their technicians follow appropriate lockout/
tag-out procedures so an unfi t-for-duty vehicle
does not move from its location in the maintenance
shop or log.
Attendees of this technical session will learn
what recommended practices TMC’s S .5 Fleet
Maintenance Management Study Group is developing
to clarify these and other issues. Panelists
will include lock-out/tag-out suppliers, insurance
providers, OSHA representatives and fl eets. If
your company maintains or repairs trucks, this
session is a must.
STUDY GROUP SESSIONS
TMC Study Groups are standing committees TMC
Study Groups are standing committees that identify
problems and challenges facing motor carriers and
other truck equipment users. Th ese groups, which
P
By Sara Scullin, Managing Editor
TMC’s 2017 Fall Meeting educational
sessions examine current trends
and future tech in trucking
» TMC Fall Meeting sessions always
generate a lively discussion between
presenters and attendees.
Photo courtesy of TMC
Other TMC Meeting
Sessions
Other events taking place during
TMC’s 2017 Fall Meeting include:
• TMCSUPERTECH 2017: Any technician
employed in the trucking industry may register
for TMC’s National Technician Skills Competition.
• PTDC TECHNICIAN TRAINING FAIR:
The Professional Technician Development
Committee (PTDC) Training Fair is a series
of hands-on training sessions designed for
technicians, shop supervisors and fleet
managers. This year’s sessions are:
• So you want to be a PM technician?
• Today’s heavy duty engine fan drive systems.
• The changing world of fuel filtration.
• TMC’S TOWN MEETING & FLEET
OPERATORS’ FORUM: Fleet attendees
discuss equipment problems that they have
been unable to resolve successfully with their
product manufacturer or supplier. An update is
given later during the fall meeting at the Shop
Talk and Fleet Operators’ Forum Wrap-up.
• SHOP TALK: Open to all registered attendees,
Shop Talk offers attendees a chance
to learn and share the tricks of the trade
from the industry’s best experts.
• FLEET TALK: One of the most popular features
at TMC general meetings, Fleet Talk
is a lively dialogue of fleet concerns. This
session is open only to fleet attendees.
• TMC NEW TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATIONS:
Attendees are informed of innovative features
or applications of new technologies without
engaging in blatant merchandising, advertising
or harmful competitive references.
• TMCFUTURETECH2017: This is TMC’s
National Student Technician Competition. It
is patterned after the TMCSuperTech event.
• TMCSUPERTECH 2017 AWARDS
BANQUET: Winners of the TMCSuperTech
and TMCFutureTech competitions
are announced at this event.
• TMC EVENING SOCIAL EVENT: The
Fall Meeting’s social event will feature a
special poolside party, complete with a
buffet dinner, musical entertainment and
“supersized” games – checkers, Jenga, connect
four, putt-putt area and cornhole.
are long-term in nature, study a specifi c sector of
truck technology or management. Study group
meetings at TMC’s 2017 Fall Meeting include:
Corrosion after trailer and frame
modifications and fleet-applied
rust inhibitor treatments
Th is session will be a special “double feature”
that will examine two specifi c aspects of corro