The Business of Big Rigs: Staying on the road and on budget.

AuthorShipe, O'Hara
PositionTRANSPORTATION

In many ways, the Alaska economy runs on the trucking industry's ability to keep up with supply demands. Whether trucks are hauling lumber and building materials along the Dalton Highway or are traversing the Glenn Highway on a routine grocery delivery, Alaskans depend on the trucking industry to be efficient and reliable. In turn, the transportation companies rely on retailers, repair shops, and truck manufacturers to keep them on the road and on budget.

Since 1969, TrailerCraft has been one of the leading truck parts and sales facilities in Alaska. In 1994, the company became the state's only full-service Freightliner dealer; it has since continued to supply equipment to entities statewide, including State of Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) plows and sanding trucks, Blue Bird school and transport buses, and truck flatbeds. In addition to selling Freightliner trucks, TrailerCraft also sells Western Star industrial trucks.

RWC Group is a leading truck supplier with two locations in Alaska in Fairbanks and Anchorage in addition to locations in Arizona (including the company's headquarters), California, and Washington State. The full-service center stocks a variety of brands such as International, Isuzu, and Hino. Recognizing the financial investment required to purchase a new truck, RWC has a number of used trucks for sale as well as leasing options. It also offers in-house financing options.

But according to RWC Group's General Manager of Alaska Operations Mike Lash, the company's group of dedicated full-time mechanics is one of the most vital aspects of the business. "Our parts and service departments are made up of industry professionals who really know their stuff. I think they play a big role in supporting the trucking industry up here," says Lash.

Unique Trucks and Routes

Buying a new truck is a huge investment, and sole proprietors or companies operating a fleet of vehicles need to be sure they select the right rig for the job and for the road--and of course there are state and federal restrictions that need to be a part of the decision-making process.

Operating under Alaska DOT, the Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (MSCVE) is responsible for the annual inspection of weigh stations, commercial motor vehicle safety, size and weight enforcement, and issuing permits. In 2016 MSCVE weighed 59,432 vehicles for compliance at weigh stations throughout Alaska, discovering 937 permit violations. Although the...

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