Alamo City Truck Service offers variety of specialized services
Feb 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Shop equipment
The shop uses a Leech Industries Inc five-ton crane and has various shears, press brakes, saws, drill presses, and rolls. A Pexto hydraulic shear is used for sheet metal cutting. A Wysong and Miles Co manual shear is available for metal cutting, and a PS&WC Co roll handles metal rolling.
“We can manage lightweight materials, but if the metal is over 1/8 inch thick, we send them to an outside metal shop,” says Fey.
In the tractor bays, computerized diagnostic instruments are used for engine emission analysis, as well as other vehicle tests. However, hands-on service remains a big part of the shop procedures. Engine replacements are typical work at the shop. In another example of the company's dedication to premier service, an experienced mechanic who works on trucks and engines will also handle oil changes and look for any problems that might lead to an on-road breakdown.
“Carriers are sending us more tractors for evaluations and repairs than in the past — rather than handling the work themselves,” says Fey.
Trailer service
As to trailer service, the petroleum trailers are all degassed in a bay adjacent to the shop before they are moved to a repair bay for work to begin. They are continually tested for vapors as work progresses and before anyone enters the tank, Fey says.
These procedures and others, such as keeping hoses and electrical lines overhead in the shop to protect against injuries, are part of the company's emphasis on safety. Safety meetings are conducted every two-to-three weeks during work breaks at 3 pm. Subjects include confined tank entry policies, fall protection, use of equipment such as cranes, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Efficiency role
While safety is a priority, efficiency also plays a large role at Alamo City. Computers help make the maintenance operation move smoothly. Work orders are processed using RIMSS Business Systems Technology software. A work order is developed for each job and the form is printed out for the mechanic performing the repairs — who also submits it to the parts department as needed. A shop foreman checks the form when the job is complete and then passes it on to Fey for review. After he approves the work, the form is forwarded to administration where it is processed for billing.
Fey says that eventually the program will be used for paperless transactions, and parts will be scanned and computer analyzed for inventory management.
While the company is moving toward more technology, it retains its personal-touch culture. Fey notes that each customer who drives into the facility is greeted by one of the foremen. “Our paramount objective is to provide safe and professional handling of our customers' equipment,” he adds. “We are determined to meet their expectations.”
