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Top Three Extended Life Coolants Questions Answered by Experts

Let’s talk extended life coolants with the experts. All fleet managers want a heavy-duty cooling system solution that extends service intervals and reduces service and maintenance costs.

Our Sourcing Team, who has over 25 years of experience in the transportation industry, works directly with the experts at PEAK Commercial & Industrial. We offer PEAK’s heavy-duty extended life coolants on our transportation-focused eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect. We asked PEAK to answer three key questions about extended life coolants.

1) Who is using extended life coolants and why?

Today, all leading heavy-duty OEMs, including Caterpillar® and Freightliner®, offer extended life coolant as a factory fill coolant. Extended life coolants offer the lowest cost of ownership through longer coolant life, longer coolant change intervals, and the elimination of SCAs and chemically charged filters

2) Why are trucks being factory filled with extended life coolant?

As engine and truck builders extend overall service intervals, factory fill products must be able to reach the extended service goals. Most truck manufacturers are filling new engines with extended life coolants to offer their customers the highest coolant performance, extended coolant service intervals and reduced overall maintenance costs.

3) What is FINAL CHARGE® GLOBAL Coolant/Antifreeze?

FINAL CHARGE® Global Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze (FINAL CHARGE) is a heavy-duty extended life coolant that provides total cooling system protection for 1,000,000 miles of on-road use (8 years or 20,000 hours of off-highway use) using proprietary engine protecting inhibitors that do not deplete as quickly as conventional “old” technology coolant and SCA products.

FINAL CHARGE provides total cooling system protection for all on-road and off-road heavy duty engines regardless of fuel type or environmental controls being used. It is the heavy-duty coolant solution that can extend service intervals and reduce service and maintenance costs.

Get a look at the heavy-duty side of the PEAK brand family of products. FINAL CHARGE and FLEET CHARGE is a coolant that’s been proven and trusted, giving you confidence with a million mile guarantee. Discover why fleet managers and owner-operators around the world choose FINAL CHARGE & FLEET CHARGE as the final word in global heavy-duty cooling system protection.

As a CrownSource customer, you have access to deep discounts on the fluids you need – like FINAL CHARGE® GLOBAL Coolant/Antifreeze  –  to keep your fleet running smoothly. Login to our eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect, to see all our heavy-duty cooling system protection products. Not a customer? Schedule a demo now.

Fleet Maintenance Impacts All Aspects of a Business

5 Key Tips to Keep Your Fleet Running Smoothly

Fleet maintenance impacts an organization’s bottom line in more ways than you might think. While keeping your fleet in good working order is imperative to lower maintenance costs, it also has a significant impact on everything for employee productivity to sales.

Well-maintained fleet vehicles mean less downtime due to unscheduled repairs. Therefore, preventative maintenance is essential. However, often the only routine maintenance checks are for oil changes. Instead, use oil changes as an opportunity to do an overall vehicle safety check as well as tire rotations and inspections.

Ace Supply shares five key tips to keep your fleet, and your business, running smoothly:

1. Consider the age of your fleet vehicles: Rising maintenance costs often correspond to an older fleet. Consider the manufacturer’s warranty and the residual value of each vehicle so you know when it is time to replace a vehicle.

2. Know the demands a vehicle faces. Always outline exactly what a vehicle will be used for. This includes things like load weights and time on the road. If you over or underestimate these things you likely will be hit with unexpected maintenance issues.

3. Let drivers know their responsibilities. Every driver should understand and adhere to your organization’s preventative maintenance schedule for their car or truck. Drivers also should know what they need to do if something needs to be fixed or they are involved in an accident. Often maintenance doesn’t get taken care of because everyone thinks it is someone else’s responsibility. Even if drivers aren’t in charge of overall maintenance, that doesn’t mean they don’t have any responsibilities. Vehicle handling, fuel efficiency and tire wear all can be tied directly back to tire pressure, for example. This is a case in which drivers need to understand that it is their responsibility to check and maintain tire pressure between scheduled maintenance.

4. Take advantage of cloud-based fleet management software. In order for everyone to keep up with service and maintenance, cloud-based software is recommended. Such software allows for mobile accessibility and provides automated service reminders. It also allows drivers, technicians and fleet managers to access this information as necessary.

5. Develop a close relationship with a trusted vehicle parts supplier. When there is a problem with a fleet vehicle, a trusted supplier can quickly get you the quality part you need at a fair cost. This prevents wasting time trying to locate a part or worrying that you are being overcharged.

In the end, effective fleet management is a team effort. For your organization to be successful, every driver, fleet manager and maintenance technician must work together to keep your vehicles on the road as safely and affordably as possible.

Ace Supply carries only the finest quality cooling products on the market. Their HD truck radiators and cores have been road tested to hold up under the most stressful conditions. Ace Supply backs their radiators with a one year guarantee.

As a CrownSource customer, you have access to deep discounts on the products you need – like Ace Supply aftermarket parts from International, Volvo, Peterbilt, Sterling, Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack and more – to keep your fleet running smoothly. Login to our eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect, to see all our aftermarket parts and over three million other products sourced specifically for the transportation industry. Not a customer? Schedule a demo now.

Reduce Risk, Improve Compliance with J.J. Keller

We’re excited to announce our latest CrownConnect eProcurement Platform supplier – J.J. Keller, safety and regulatory compliance specialists since 1953!

J. J. Keller is the trusted source for DOT / Transportation, OSHA / Workplace Safety, Human Resources, Construction Safety and Hazmat / Hazardous Materials regulation compliance products and services. J. J. Keller helps you increase safety awareness, reduce risk, follow best practices, improve safety training, and stay current with changing regulations in the transportation industry.

See what makes J. J. Keller’s selection of security seals stand out – and why you should turn to the safety and compliance leader for all your DOT compliance needs:

As a CrownSource customer, you have access to deep discounts on the products you need – like J.J. Keller‘s line of security seals and more – to keep your fleet operation’s running smoothly. Login to our eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect, to see all our safety supplies and over three million other products sourced specifically for the transportation industry. Not a customer? Schedule a demo now.

Eight Key Security Features of CONTROLTEK’s SafeLOK VT Cash Bags That Foil Thieves

Security of the SafeLOK With the Convenience of an Extra Pocket

Evey dollar in your possession right now has been inside a CONTROLTEK bag. This is because CONTROLTEK’s security packaging has proven itself to be so effective that the nation’s top banks and government entities have been using it for decades. CONTROLTEK’s line of secure cash bags can help you reduce internal theft, speed up your investigations and make cash handling simpler than ever before. 

We asked the secure cash bag experts at CONTROLTEK to share why SafeLOK VT is used by transportation companies throughout the United States for the safe, secure handling of cash, checks and deposit slips.

SafeLOK VT (Vertical Twin) provides a perfect balance of security and ease of use. CONTROLTEK’s patented security features alert to attempted theft, while the Press2LOK technology makes using the bag easy for your staff. SafeLOK VT offers the same security an ease of use of CONTROLTEK’s ever-popular SafeLOK while adding one more pocket for checks and deposit slips. Separating cash from checks can mean quicker processing by your bank, and quicker funds availability for you – so handy!

FEATURES:

  1. Press2LOK closure – simply press to seal
  2. High-visibility void message alerts you to tampering with cold or chemicals
  3. Special thermochromic ink turns red when subjected to heat
  4. Random printed line graphics prevent cut-and-replace tampering
  5. Anti-static liner does not cling to hands and clothes, speeding up processing
  6. Extra pocket for checks and deposit slips
  7. Large serial numbers and barcodes for easy tracking via CCTV
  8. Security border and micro printing percent cutting and resealing

As a CrownSource customer, you have access to deep discounts on the products you need – like CONTROLTEK‘s line of bank cash bags and more – to keep your fleet operation’s running smoothly. Login to our eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect, to see all our security packaging offerings and over three million other products sourced specifically for the transportation industry. Not a customer? Schedule a demo now.

Get Ready for Spring Showers with PEAK Wipers

Did you know that PEAK has developed a full line of replacement windshield wiper blades to meet the needs of heavy duty truck applications? Spring is a great time to replace your fleets’ wiper blades.

It’s not recommended to leave your winter wiper blades, with rubber shroud cover, on your fleet during the summer. The harsh UV rays of summer can damage this rubber cover. Simply put, the sun is the most damaging thing to the rubber used in a blade. It breaks down in the heat of summer, which is why they usually need to be swapped out towards the end of the year.

There have been massive advancements in the field of wiper blade technology, allowing blades to last longer than ever before. Certain wiper blades, therefore, can be used year-round. As a general rule, the Highway Safety Boards recommends changing wiper blades once a year at a minimum. If your wipers are damaged in any way and visibility is impacted, you many need to change more often.

As a CrownSource customer, you have access to deep discounts on the products you need – like PEAK Wiper Blades, Coolant, Blue DEF and more – to keep your fleet running smoothly. Login to our eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect, to browse over three million other products sourced specifically for the transportation industry. Not a customer? Schedule a demo now.

Five Steps to Get Your Fleet Ready for Warmer Weather

In many parts of the country, it has been a long, long winter. In fact, there are places where people are still trying to get out from under record snowfall amounts. However, spring is just around the corner and it’s time to ensure that your fleet of trucks is ready to roll.

To ensure that your entire fleet is prepared for more sunlight and higher temperatures, Ace Supply shares five steps to take now:

Perform a deep clean. It is important to remove salt and debris that has accumulated on your trucks to prevent rust and other damage so power washing your fleet is well worth the time and effort. You also may want to consider waxing exteriors to protect against sun damage that occurs during the spring and summer. Cleaning the interior of trucks does more than just improve the looks of those trucks, it also gives you an opportunity to check if there are parts that need to be replaced.

Check fluid levels. Ideally, drivers would check their vehicle’s fluids on a regular basis but the cold temperatures sometimes prevents them from doing so. Now that the weather is nicer it is critical to check brake, power steering, transmission and windshield washer fluid. Further, if you have been employing the use of antifreeze with your windshield wiper fluid it is time to change over to one that combats bugs. (While you’re at it you may want to replace windshield wipers, as well.)

Kick the tires. Potholes are everywhere this time of year so it is likely that your fleet’s tires have suffered the consequences. Now’s the time to take a look at tires to see how they are standing up to wear and tear and replace when necessary. If tires are still in their prime, it is important that they are balanced and rotated and that the alignment is checked.

Replace filters. The amount of dust and pollen in the air rises in the spring, so replacing your filters is a must. While most manufacturers have guidelines for when air filters need to be replaced, the only real way to know for sure is to inspect them yourself.

Test the air conditioner. It may not feel like it now but spring is the best time to make sure your fleets’ air conditioning units are in good working order. This will make it less likely that you will have to address problems on a scorching summer day.

It doesn’t cost a whole lot to get your fleet ready for the spring but it can cost you a lot if you neglect to do it.

As a CrownSource customer, you have access to deep discounts on the products you need – like Ace Supply aftermarket parts from International, Volvo, Peterbilt, Sterling, Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack and more – to keep your fleet running smoothly. Login to our eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect, to see all our aftermarket parts and over three million other products sourced especially for the transportation industry. Not a customer? Schedule a demo now.

Five Reasons to Consider Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are created and distributed by a third-party. Unfortunately, many fleet owners are under the mistaken impression that this means corners have been cut or quality sacrificed. This is not the case. And it is never the case with our aftermarket parts supplier, ACE Supply. ACE offers the highest grade, quality parts that provide premium performance from the most trusted brands (International, Volvo, Peterbilt, Sterling Trucks, Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack, etc.) in the industry.

In light of these facts, ACE Supply compiled five reasons why you should consider aftermarket parts:

A larger range of options. Aftermarket parts offer significantly more options than standard stock alternatives. Regardless of whether you want to repair or upgrade your truck, with stock parts you are limited to what your brand has on the market right now.

Cost savings. More variety means a broader range of choices and the ability to find the product you want at a particular price point.

Performance enhancement. Aftermarket resources allow you to improve or adjust the performance of your truck in ways that stock parts simply cannot. Stainless steel finishes to combat rust resistance or wider exhaust pipes for better airflow are just some examples.

Higher quality. Since many aftermarket parts are reverse engineered, problems with a part that the brand maker was not aware of when it was first produced can be corrected. This allows for a higher quality part that performs better than the original.

Availability. If your truck breaks down, manufacturer’s parts can be difficult to locate and may take days to order. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are readily available, keeping your truck on the road, not parked waiting for a part to be delivered.

As a CrownSource customer, you have access to deep discounts on the products you need – like Ace Supply aftermarket parts from International, Volvo, Peterbilt, Sterling, Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack and more –  to keep your fleet running smoothly. Login to our eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect, to see all our aftermarket parts and over three million other products sourced especially for the transportation industry. Not a customer? Schedule a demo now.

When it comes to your #1 non-labor expense CrownSource has you covered!

Introducing CrownSource’s Total Spend Management Fuel Program

Our dedicated fuel experts help manage your fuel savings. We have a robust Over-the-Road (OTR) Fuel Program with over 6,000 locations which includes a Cardlock Fuel Program. Our goal is no transaction fees for you. Also, our fuel reporting helps you maximize your low cost network savings.

Have bulk tanks? No problem! We provide custom sourcing as part of our Bulk Fuel Program.

Contact our fuel expert, Mike Smith, to find out more.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE IMDG CODE 39TH AMENDMENT?

Our friends at Labelmaster provided us with the lastest updates in the IMDG Code…and before we get into the updates, let’s review what the IMDG Code is all about.

WHAT IS THE IMDG CODE?

The IMDG Code is the global, international reference for shipping dangerous goods by maritime vessel on the water. The 2-volume IMO DG regulations is required for anyone shipping DG by water and features updates and revisions regarding packaging and storage requirements for all regulated hazardous materials.

Here’s six highlights on the IMDG Code:

  1. Adopted in the 1965
  2. Formed to prevent all types of sea pollution
  3. Ensures safe packaging and transport of dangerous goods by sea
  4. Applies to all cargo ships around the world
  5. Created per UN recommendations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  6. Latest edition published in 2018, the 39th Amendment

WHAT’S NEW IN THE IMDG CODE 39TH AMENDMENT?

  • 18 new segregations group codes.
  • Many updates and additions to the Dangerous Goods List (DGL).
  • Overhauled Chapter 2.8, Classification of Corrosives.
  • Clarification that only the applicable Proper Shipping Name (PSN) should be used when there are several distinct PSNs under one UN Number.
  • Stowage categories of several Class 1 materials have been amended Chapter 5.3 is now extended to cover bulk containers.

2018 IMDG Code, 39th Amendment is Effective January 1, 2019 and Required January 1, 2020.

As a CrownSource customer, you have access to deep discounts on the products you need – like regulatory items including the 2018 IMDG Code Books from Labelmaster to keep your fleet running smoothly. Login to our eProcurement Platform, CrownConnect, to see all our regulatory items and over three million other products sourced especially for the transportation industry. Not a customer? Schedule a demo now.

Ready To Learn More?

Schedule time to talk with our experts about your needs. You will see the CrownSource eCommerce Marketplace and Procure-to-Pay Technology system in action, and discover how we can help you save more money on the products and services you purchase every day.

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