Louisville Switching Truck Sales Blog

5 Ways COVID-19 Affects the Shipping Industry

Louisville Switching — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 15:54:53 GMT

5 Ways COVID-19 Affects the Shipping Industry

We live in an unprecedented time, unlike anything many of us have ever experienced. As COVID-19 continues to rattle every aspect of industry in the United States, logistics and supply chain operations remain vital to the survival of this country, despite also being deeply affected.

Disruptions to the supply chain have immediate impacts on businesses across industries, but also long-term effects we have yet to see. It is the job of the shipping and logistics industry to keep goods moving smoothly. That job has become much more difficult with the added pressure and strain on resources. New plans have to be made to not only operate as close to normal as possible, but to also ensure the health and safety of workers.

The future is unpredictable. With things constantly shifting, it can be difficult to see the big picture of how changes happening now will affect the industry in the future. Here are just a few ways COVID-19 has affected the shipping and logistics industry:

1. Increased Need for Safety

This is a delicate time for everyone, especially those above a certain age or with underlying health conditions. Just like with any industry, precautions are needed to minimize the risk of infection and inhibit the spread of the virus within the businesses that make up the shipping and logistics industry. To keep workers and their contacts safe, new measures have had to be put in place. The shipping and logistics industry is an essential service, but there must be a balance between supporting these critical operations and maintaining safety for everyone involved.

2. Drop in Imports from China and Europe

One of the first areas of shipping to be affected by the pandemic was imports from China, where the virus first became widespread. This was followed soon after by other countries, like those in Europe. Shipping and logistics, especially in ports, were affected in the United States before the virus was even here because of a drop in imports from other countries. This has led to a shortage of essentials, such as medical supplies and other day-to-day goods. However, there is a hopeful outlook on the global supply chain as China and some other countries begin to recover from the pandemic.

3. Drop in Commercial Transportation

Between March and May, there has been a significant drop in transportation across the US and Canada, especially in the industrial, commercial, retail, and warehouse industries, according to Geotab. Curbside and online sales have helped offset the toll taken by canceled events; restaurants, bars, retail stores, schools, and hotels closing to in-person traffic; and the drop in manufacturing operations. The only business within the shipping industry to not have seen a significant drop is grocery delivery. With an increased need for grocery delivery and the importance of medical supply shipping, trucking companies usually specializing in other industries have started to pick up these shipments to stay in operation.

4. Changes in the Supply Chain

Beginning with a drop in imports, the supply chain has shifted greatly in the US. Medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) are now needed more urgently than ever, coupled with supply pressure from consumers. Logistics companies struggle to keep medical supplies and other basic goods moving. Manufacturing companies have weeks of delays in receiving supplied and raw materials. At this time, it is hard to meet demands. One good thing that can affect the shipping and logistics industry, however, is the increased domestic production of things like PPE and hand sanitizer, which requires domestic logistics to transport.

5. Need for a New Model for the Future

While everyone and every industry is trying to become accustomed to our "new normal," the shipping and logistics industry looks to the future and how to keep going during this unpredictable time. Vessels have to be kept in operational order to transport critical cargo across the country and beyond. Crisis management plans have to be formed and put in place to help deal with interruptions in supply chains. The supply chain models, themselves, may have to be altered to reduce the impact of the virus. New government regulations may also affect supply chain locations. Plans need to be in place to help adjust to this new normal and how to move forward and recover.

Shipping and logistics will continue to play a necessary role in overcoming this crisis, even as everything from day-to-day operations to government regulations to the virus itself constantly changes. Adapting to our environment will prove to be a critical step in ensuring the survival of organizations in every industry and the eventual return to normal of our operations and global supply chain.

Should you have any questions or need assistance with your yard trucks or yard operations during this time, please contact Louisville Switching. We are in this with you for the long haul.

5 Ways To Improve Yard Safety

Louisville Switching — Thu, 14 May 2020 18:49:49 GMT

Safety has been top-of-mind for everyone in the last few months, and that isn't going away anytime soon. However, as the manager or operator of a yard, safety should always be your top priority to keep your drivers, employees, and equipment safe. At Louisville Switching, we value safety and the impact it can have on your business's operations, which is why we are committed to providing valuable information and resources to improve your yard's overall compliance, regulations, and efforts at staying safe.

The Top 5 Ways To Improve Safety In The Truck Yard

1. Improve Your Truck Maintenance Process

A safe truck yard doesn’t mean only your drivers and employees are safe – you must also ensure your trucks and other equipment are safe to operate. Without a properly-operating system, a safe driver can only make so much of a difference. Preventative maintenance, regular vehicle inspections, and staying up-to-date on vehicle recalls can keep your fleet operating at its maximum efficiency. Following a routine maintenance plan, such as a Preventative Maintenance (PM) Service Plan, can help improve your process and ensure your yard runs safely. Learn more about the importance of a preventative maintenance plan in this blog article.

2. Safety Training Courses

Safety education provides many benefits to your yard. It can not only help prevent and avoid injuries, but also decrease the likelihood of accidents occurring in the future. Accidents can be caused by both drivers and other workers in and out of your yard. That's why we offer a Safety Training Certification Program here at Louisville Switching designed to train drivers, workers, and all other employees that operate in and around your yard for optimum safety precautions and procedures. Learn more about our Safety Training Program here.

3. Monitor All Operations In The Yard

Tracking driver behavior and operations helps to reduce unnecessary drive time, increase safety, and conserve fuel. Speeding and reckless driving are two of the most common driving behaviors that can lead to accidents and injuries, costing your business time and money. Using a GPS tracking system gives you 24/7, real-time access to your drivers’ actions from your desktop or mobile device. Monitoring the operations of your fleet will lead to an increase in fleet safety and driver productivity.

4. Create Safety Incentive Programs

After your employees have completed safety training courses, like our Safety Training Certification Program we mentioned above, it is important to continue their education. A crucial aspect of continuing their safety education is by actively engaging with safety tips and staying up-to-date on the most recent safety regulations and laws. A great way to keep your team motivated to continue their safety education is through safety incentive programs, which can include bonuses, extra time off, or other unique rewards.

5. Keep the Safety Conversation Going

The final step in improving safety in the yard is to regularly communicate with your drivers and employees on the importance of safety in the workplace. Internal company emails that feature a safety tip of the week can help keep yard safety top-of-mind. Safety isn’t a topic you should only cover when an employee is hired or if an accident occurs – it should be a focus every time a driver gets behind the wheel or operates a piece of equipment.

If you have any questions when it comes to yard safety, we would be happy to answer them. Contact our team to learn more about the topic of safety and keep your yard safe this year!

The Importance of a Preventative Maintenance Service Plan

Louisville Switching — Fri, 08 May 2020 14:25:40 GMT

All trucks require maintenance to maintain peak functionality, efficiency, and capabilities. To maximize your operations, yard trucks must undergo regular maintenance. At Louisville Switching, caring for yard trucks is our specialty, and we encourage all of our customers to engage in routine maintenance for their yard dogs. One way to do this is through a preventative maintenance service plan. Today we want to share exactly what a preventative maintenance service plan is and the importance of having a plan for your yard trucks.

The Importance of Using a Preventative Maintenance Service Plan

A preventative maintenance service plan is vital to the efficiency of your fleet. Implementing a preventative maintenance plan can not only improve the performance of your yard trucks, but it can also positively impact the efficiency of your overall business in the following ways.

Decrease Downtime

When your truck is running poorly, has failing parts, or experiences a breakdown while on the job, it costs your business valuable time. Just one yard truck being "out of commission" can lead to unexpected downtime across your business. This is a business owner and operations manager's worst nightmare when it comes to productivity. Following a preventative maintenance plan ensures your yard trucks continue operating at peak performance, helping you avoid these scenarios and decrease downtime.

Save Money

A preventative maintenance plan also saves your business money. Downtime leads to reduced production and hurts your business revenue. With a proper maintenance plan in place, your truck is less likely to experience costly downtime. Additionally, when you follow a preventative maintenance schedule, you are able to plan for part replacements, which saves you money on expensive emergency repairs or rushed parts shipments.

Gain Peace-of-Mind

Finally, a preventative maintenance service plan does what its name suggests – it helps prevent unexpected repairs. With confidence in your yard truck's performance, you can focus on running the day-to-day operations of your business and keep your resources allocated to the things that move your business forward. As a fleet manager or operations supervisor, you will have peace-of-mind knowing your fleet is well taken care of and will be operating at its best until your next round of service.

The Process of Executing a Preventative Maintenance Service Plan

The importance of a preventative maintenance service plan is clear, but to reap the full benefits, it's crucial you follow a standardized process for executing the plan. To do this, we suggest following this process:

1. Create a Preventative Maintenance Schedule

Conducting scheduled preventative maintenance increases the life span and performance of your yard truck and helps decrease the likelihood of unexpected downtime. To get started, you need to determine and set a schedule for preventative maintenance. Each truck's maintenance schedule can be different from the next, which is why it is crucial to know when and what your specific truck needs when it comes to maintenance. Here are a few resources we suggest using to create your preventative maintenance schedule:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommendations

Equipment manufacturers have a slew of statistical data from in-house testing and field tests done by customers for each truck's specific make and model. The manuals they provide often contain schedules for necessary maintenance, the usage of critical spare parts, and basic maintenance instructions. You can download the Ottawa Maintenance Manual here for everything you need to know about effectively maintaining your Ottawa yard truck.

Data from your maintenance history

If you have performed any maintenance on your yard truck in the past, then you should have records of what services were performed and when. With that information, you can estimate when certain preventative maintenance will need to be completed to prevent unnecessary part failures, damages, and breakdowns in the future.

2. Stock-up On Essential Kits and Parts

If this is your first time creating or using a preventive maintenance plan, we suggest you start by focusing on your most critical assets, such as your fuel system, hydraulic system, and engine, as well as stock up on the kits and parts you need to maintain these systems.

A great place to start is with our Preventative Maintenance (PM) Service Kit. In fact, we think you need one to properly perform maintenance on your trucks. Our PM Service Kit, also known as the PM Filter Service Kit, is an all-inclusive kit made up of 5-6 different filters that are integral for normal operation. We offer this kit to our customers as an option to replace all filters at one time for optimal maintenance. The kit includes hydraulic, fuel, oil, air, and transmission filters. You can read more about our Preventative Maintenance (PM) Kits in our recent blog here.

Having other key parts on hand for preventative maintenance is also crucial. Under "normal" circumstances, we can ship most parts in our inventory next-day air, but with the ongoing pandemic, things are far from normal in the shipping and logistics world. Therefore, we recommend stocking up on the parts you know you'll need to complete your preventative maintenance. Visit our parts page to search for parts or talk to a parts specialist – we'll make sure you get the parts you need.

3. Track and Adjust Your Plan When Needed

After you have implemented your preventive maintenance service plan for a period of time, you can assess the performance and results to make sure your yard truck is performing at its best. If after some time you notice your yard truck is in need of different services to meet your maintenance needs, you can adjust your maintenance plan to reap maximum benefits from your plan.

If your business is in need of any yard truck services or you would like to create your own preventive maintenance service plan, contact us here. Our team is ready to serve you!

Louisville Switching Is An Essential Business

Louisville Switching — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:29:16 GMT

To Our Valued Customers and Community:

Louisville Switching continues to monitor the changing landscape as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the United States.
We understand there are concerns regarding keeping businesses running effectively and efficiently during this time - especially when several industries around our communities are being forced to close temporarily.

We want to take this time to clarify that Louisville Switching is classified as an Essential Business, as defined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an agency in the Department of Homeland Security, and further state all of our facilities are open and ready to support our customers in the critical supply chain network.

While it is important to assist our customers with their material handling needs, we understand we must do so as safely as possible. Therefore, we are following all governmental and CDC recommendations, including but not limited to:

Restriction of all non-essential business travel including all commercial and personal vehicular travel between our locations.
Social distancing and increased attention to hygiene practices - hand washing, routine disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and refraining from handshakes.
Paying close attention to personal well-being and consulting a doctor at the first indication of potential coronavirus symptoms.
Self-reporting and quarantine if in contact with someone known to have coronavirus.

Additionally, we have highlighted below considerations and procedural changes we are implementing for our customers to ensure safe business transactions:

For Customers:

Sales and Product Support: We know purchasing equipment and product support are still services our customers need. To accommodate your requests and questions, we ask that you please reach out via email, text, or phone call to one of our many sales representatives or contact us on our website at louisvilleswitching.com. We will help determine the best method to address your needs.
Service: To ensure your operation stays up and running, Louisville Switching has a variety of options to service your equipment. Our team of service professionals can assist with making arrangements for equipment pick-up and delivery to our local facility for service or a field service technician can be dispatched to your location for either inside or outside your facility service. We are offering 24/7 servicing options as needed - Give us a call and we’ll find a solution!
Parts: We are fulfilling parts orders and ask you to please call one of our parts team members to place your order. We would be happy to coordinate and schedule a parts pick-up that will allow safe social distancing for all of us.
Rental: Rental equipment is still available for your short-term and long-term needs. Please call your local branch for availability and to schedule a pick-up or drop-off. We can still deliver rental equipment to jobsites as normal and will ensure social distancing is practiced to keep our team and your team safe.

We value the relationships we have with our customers and understand these are challenging times. However, although these unprecedented times are challenging, we must remember this: We are Americans...We persevere...We are strong and resilient... We care for our families and neighbors…We give sacrificially in the hard times... and We have always come out stronger on the other end of National and World Challenges. It is who we are as a people. At Louisville Switching, we will do our part to help mitigate the negatives of this current situation and have no doubt our customers and communities will do the same.

If you have any concerns, please contact a Louisville Switching representative.

What is a Preventative Maintenance (PM) Service Kit?

Louisville Switching — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:50:13 GMT

As you know, maintenance is a critical component of your operations -- you also know needing it can be expensive, time-consuming, and interruptive.

Our main priority at Louisville Switching is keeping your trucks up and running year-round so you can continue focusing on the demands of your business. To help you do that, we offer Preventative Maintenance (PM) Service Kits, which serve as useful tools to help you maximize the lifespan of your yard trucks and minimize avoidable maintenance spending.

The Top 5 Questions Asked About PM Service Kits

1. What is included in the PM Filter Service Kit?

Our PM Service Kit, also known as the PM Filter Service Kit, is an all-inclusive kit made up of 5-6 different filters that are integral for normal operation. We offer this kit to our customers as an option to replace all filters at one time for optimal maintenance. The kit includes hydraulic, fuel, oil, air, and transmission filters.

Unsure of when you need to replace these filters in your truck? A good rule-of-thumb is to replace all filters every 200-500 hours of truck use. These preventative maintenance service kits allow you to replace all filters in one maintenance visit to your service shop versus having to individually replace each filter at separate times, equaling time and cost savings.

Our PM service kits are cost-effective, making it easy to prepare for future maintenance without hurting your budget. By having spare kits available when you need them, you can save costs related to operational downtime. Check out this blog on Fleetguard Filters and how you can incorporate them into your service kit.

2. Is the promotion still going on with the PM Service Kits?

Yes, our promotion is still happening with 20% OFF a PM Filter Service Kit!

We value our customers and understand the inconvenience avoidable maintenance can be. Our goal is to help you maximize uptime and minimize the costs associated with downtime of your yard truck operations. We strive to walk the talk with our commitment to customer service and satisfaction, as well as fair pricing.

3. Are these kits available year-round or only seasonally?

Our PM Service Kits are available year-round. Trucks are always in need of servicing and regular filter maintenance, and we want to be your local option you can count on when you need to replace your truck's filters.

However, we have noticed our customers value preparedness. During poor weather conditions, such as low temperatures, icy or snowy weather, and other hazardous conditions, we see a peak in the purchasing of our PM service kits. In addition, during the fall months (October and November), customers tend to stock up on these kits to prepare their trucks and fleets for the upcoming winter season.

To avoid your filters going out on you, we recommend having a PM kit schedule lined up with our team at Louisville Switching. All of our current trucks follow this schedule based on the amount of hour usage per truck, which allows each truck's filters to be replaced exactly when they are needed.

4. Why do I need a PM service kit?

Not only do these kits save you time by eliminating shop visits every time you need to replace a filter, it also saves you money. Time is money, and every second your truck is out of operation is a minute you are not using it to maximize your revenue. Additionally, our PM service kits are valued at such a great deal so you don't need to purchase each filter individually for a higher market price.

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your truck up and running, as well as performing as efficiently as possible. A service kit is part of this necessary maintenance. Some of our customers only have one truck, and they need it to run efficiently 24/7 to avoid larger problems and keep operations moving smoothly. We understand you can't afford to lose time and money with downtime, and we're here to help. Keep your operations running at full capacity all year long with our PM service kits.

5. What are the main benefits of the PM Service Filter Kit?

As we've mentioned above, there are many benefits and uses for our PM service kits. In summary, here are some of the advantages you can receive when choosing our kits for your trucks' servicing:

Saves you time with convenient, same-time filter replacement
Helps you be prepared to avoid problems down the road
Saves you money at an inexpensive, competitive price
Provides integral filters that are part of regular truck maintenance
Comes from a local provider committed to serving you with excellence

If you are interested in purchasing a PM filter service kit for your truck or fleet this season, let us help! Give our Parts Department a call today at 502.935.5838 and ask for Chuck or Wayne to meet all of your filter needs this spring.

The Importance of Safety Training In The Yard

Louisville Switching — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 18:10:16 GMT

At Louisville Switching, we understand the importance of keeping your workers, drivers, equipment, and yard safe. Ensuring proper safety measures are implemented and followed by all is a top priority, which ultimately falls back on having everyone who operates or works in the yard having adequate safety training. Keep reading to learn how prioritizing safety procedures and training can help ensure safer drivers, as well as a safer yard operation.

Keeping Other Drivers Safe

The most common hazard in the operation of yard trucks is the danger of accidents occurring with other drivers and/or staff in the yard. As a driver, it is your responsibility to be aware of your position in the yard and the location of other workers off- and on-foot at all times. On top of standard safety equipment, such as bright lights, fluorescent gear, and safety cones, numerous safety zones are established and used as precautions for drivers and workers throughout the yard. Alongside any general truck safety training, every driver or employee should be trained in conjunction with their company's safety guide or guidelines.

When it comes to keeping drivers and the rest of your team safe while operating within the yard, follow these tips:

The use of safety signs, such as these:

Do not exceed 10 mph while inside the yard.
Sound your alarm if any person or truck gets within close proximity of you.
Wear reflective, vibrant safety gear to remain easily visible to others at all times.

Read more about truck operation best practices, as well as the importance of having proper training when using a yard truck in this blog.

General Safety Tips and Training

An integral part of implementing overall safety for all parties involved is general training and awareness on keeping yourself safe. Applying some basic, well-known safety tips and habits to your employee training helps minimize the risk of injury, accidents, or mishaps in the yard. Have a safety protocol, post it where everyone can see it, and be sure it is followed by all employees.

As a driver or worker in the yard, always remember to do the following:

Wear your seat belt – Even in short distances, such as the yard, seat belts can prevent major injuries if you are involved in an accident.
Do a pre-inspection of your yard truck – This will ensure all equipment is working properly, i.e. your headlights, taillights, blinkers, emergency flashers, and windshield wipers.
Be mindful of severe weather conditions – No matter where or how far you are traveling in your yard truck, any bad weather can compromise your driving or ability to see others in the yard clearly.
Pay attention at all times – Always be on the lookout for potential hazards when operating yard trucks or other equipment.
Never pull behind someone without warning – Always give other drivers extra room and the right of way when they are backing up or parking.

Download our Kalmar Ottawa Maintenance Manual here for descriptions of specific repair procedures, component operations, and information on preventative maintenance to ensure you are staying safe when using your yard truck.

Yard Truck Certification At Louisville Switching

Louisville Switching offers a yard truck training certification program available for all drivers and yard workers. Our team of experts in the industry will educate and inform you on all of the vital safety measures drivers need to know to keep themselves and others safe, both inside and outside of the truck. Our Ottawa Yard Truck certification is essentially a safety training course for all yard truck operations.

Check out this blog to learn more about Louisville Switching's hands-on learning approach to attaining yard truck certification. We value driver safety, and we want to help you stay up-to-date on current regulations, encourage safe driving tactics, and deliver best practices on how to take care of your yard truck. To learn more or to schedule a training, reach out to our Sales, Manager, Chris.

The Newest Yard Trucks For Sale at Louisville Switching

Louisville Switching — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 15:34:57 GMT

A new year means new trucks. Kalmar Ottawa released its 2020 yard truck models with all the features you know and love, plus some new ones, too! We probably don't need to tell you why the Ottawa T2 is the best yard truck out there (but just in case we do, you can see for yourself here). If you're raring to go and eager to get your hands on a 2020 Ottawa T2, head on over to our Sales page. But if you still need some convincing that it's time to add a new yard truck to your fleet, read on to explore the 2020 Kalmar Ottawa T2 yard truck and all it has to offer.

New 2020 Yard Trucks For Sale

Every new release of this truck improves upon the last. Kalmar Ottawa's 2020 fleet of T2 yard trucks features both off-road and DOT units. These new trucks are equipped with the industry's latest technology and mechanics to help improve your bottom line.

The chassis is built to withstand the pressure of heavy lifting and fast pace, ensuring optimum efficiency for your operations. Quick-lift cylinders and improved lift support offer faster, more powerful fifth-wheel lifting.

Some of the returning features you know and love from the 2019 Ottawa T2's include:

ABS Brake System
Cummins B6.7 200 HP
Allison 3000RDS
A/C unit
Air Dryer
LED Light Package
Block Heater

And new features that make this model the best one yet:

116" and 126" wheelbase options
2-year, 6,000-hour warranty

Plus, our team knows you need and want different options and custom features for your truck to best serve your operations. This model can be customized both in cosmetic features and functionality. Our sales team works with every customer individually to help them find the best fit for their business. You can read about the customization options here, or check them out in this video.

Why You Need A New Yard Truck, From Louisville Switching

Equipped with the features above, the 2020 T2 yard trucks offer you more efficiency, safer operations, and easier maintenance. One additional benefit is these units are onsite and available at our location. In previous years, trucks had to be ordered, which typically took about 120 days. This year, the trucks are onsite and waiting for you.

Seeing these fresh units in person truly seals the deal for many customers. Don't hesitate -- come see the 2020 units for yourself and experience the difference when you give it a test drive.

If you are interested in seeing one of our new Ottawa yard trucks for sale, you can set up an appointment with one of our expert team members. We would be happy to walk you through each unit and help you find the best fit for your needs.

Safe Driving Practices During Winter Weather

Louisville Switching — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 18:51:31 GMT

Winter is here, which means it is time to brush up on safe driving practices. Traveling and operating during winter weather can be the most dangerous time of the year for drivers. We know safety is your top concern when it comes to your drivers. Here are our top five safe winter driving practices to help prepare your drivers for whatever the winter weather has in store.

1. Stay Equipped with Proper Supplies

We've said it before on our blog, and we will say it again. One of the best ways to be prepared for bad winter weather while on the road is to have a checklist of supplies and items in your truck at all times. This set of supplies will equip you to handle any situation you might encounter during bad weather, allowing your drivers to feel safe during these situations.

Some of the items we recommend carrying in your kit include:

A spare change of clothes
Towels and blankets
Gloves, hats, and a heavy coat
A tool kit, including a flashlight and batteries
A bag of salt
Ice scrapers/brushes
Jumper cables
Tire chains

Keeping this list of cold-weather essentials within reach allows easy access in the case of an emergency situation.

2. Operate Cautiously

Another safe driving practice, both for you and those around you, is to operate your truck cautiously and stay alert on the road. When there is any potential for an accident to occur when driving or operating, it is your job as the driver to be aware of your surroundings and to make any necessary adjustments to keep both you and your truck as safe as possible. Your main goal should be to avoid any involvement in an accident. This leads us to our next tip.

3. Brake Slowly

Along with being aware of your surroundings, make sure to accelerate and brake slowly during winter weather conditions. Accelerating or decelerating too quickly can cause the tires of your truck to spin out or lose traction, resulting in the truck hydroplaning or sliding – leaving you out of control of the vehicle. If you do feel your truck sliding or hydroplaning on icy or wet roads, lightly pump your brakes to slow the truck down, versus slamming on them.

4. Avoid Icy Roads, Bridges, and Overpasses

If you need to leave the yard to deliver a shipping load, there are certain safety precautions you can follow when driving. As a driver, you cannot always be in control of the route you are taking to haul a load. However, one thing you can do is adjust your route for a safer commute.

Try to avoid any icy patches while on the road or in the yard, or even spots that simply look wet, which could be covered with black ice. Avoiding bridges and overpasses is a smart idea if you do have to travel outside of the yard, as they can freeze quicker than the regular road. Also, they may not be salted like many highways are when severe weather is predicted.

5. Allow Extra Space and Time

Our final tip for safe driving is to allow yourself extra following space when driving. Many accidents occur when the roads are icy or snow-covered because drivers do not leave enough room when they need to maneuver in unexpected traffic conditions. Allowing yourself extra traveling time, as well as space between your truck and another vehicle, will ensure you stay safe and can avoid an accident.

Overall, we want all of you to stay safe this winter season, whether you are staying in the yard or traveling across state lines transporting loads. If any of the trucks in your fleet need replacement parts or services to prep for winter weather, or you simply have a question about fleet winter weatherization, contact us today.

3 Precautions To Take When You're On The Road This Winter

Louisville Switching — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 15:30:45 GMT

At Louisville Switching, we understand the importance of keeping drivers safe. Our truck parts and services are designed with you in mind, and we want to make the process of implementing safety procedures and features as simple as possible. We are well into the winter season, and harsh weather is more than likely still ahead.

Don't wait until the tundra-like conditions cost you unnecessary time and money to fix damages that could have been prevented with the right preparation. Whether or not you have already taken steps to winterize your fleet, the following tips are good to keep in mind, especially when it comes to winter travel and operating in your yard.

1. Check Your Cooling System and Engine

Checking your cooling system and engine is a must when preparing to hit the road during winter weather. Your cooling system plays a critical role in ensuring your engine temperature is warm enough to operate. Before you leave, make sure your antifreeze levels are adequate to handle the cold temps.

Next, while your engine is still cold, perform a pressure test on your cooling system to check the heater control valves. No driver wants their heating system to go out when they are operating in below-freezing temperatures and icy weather!

Finally, check the engine and ensure all water hoses are free of cracks, wear and tear, and hardening or softening. Also, make sure all of the hose clamps are tightened.

Completing these steps will ensure your engine and cooling system are prepared for any winter weather you encounter while you are on and off the road. Your number one priority is keeping yourself and other drivers safe – which makes it our number one priority, as well. Stay safe this season by following the rest of these tips on winterizing your yard truck.

2. Keep Your Truck Stocked

Winter safety precautions aren't only for the open road. Cold weather can lead to unexpected and dangerous conditions during normal operation at your facility. Having a kit of essentials stocked in your truck is an important aspect of keeping your yard truck equipped for winter. From a dead battery to losing heat in the truck cabin, there are a few essentials every driver should keep handy in case of an emergency.

First, we recommend always having a pair of jumper cables and other emergency parts handy, along with proper tire chaining equipment and spare tires. For your own safety, you should also pack water-resistant gloves, blankets, towels, flashlights and batteries, reflective gear, sturdy boots, a kneeling pad, and a first aid kit.

If your battery or engine happens to go out, leaving you in frigid weather, it is best to keep a change of warm clothes in your truck at all times. Heavy-duty coats, scarves, and hats will come in handy, along with hand warmers, if you are outside working on your truck.

3. Allow Extra Prep and Travel Time

Another "must" when it comes to being prepared for winter weather and conditions is allowing yourself extra prep and travel time.

Especially when there are frigid temperatures and bad weather conditions, trip preparation is crucial for drivers transporting shipments across states. Always check the weather forecast before you hit the road. If the forecast calls for severe weather, plan your route accordingly to avoid driving on bridges and overpasses when there is fresh snow or ice on them. Another tip is to drive slower than usual and be cautious of other drivers when there is ice, as tires tend to have less traction, and it's easier for another vehicle to spin out in your direction.

Build-in extra time for traveling if there’s bad weather on the forecast during the trip. You cannot safely drive as fast if there’s ice, snow, or heavy winds, so allow yourself extra time to get to and from your destination. Make sure your focus is on arriving safely to your location rather than getting there quickly. You will be glad you did!

We hope these tips will allow you to travel and work safely this winter. If you are in need of any winterizing services or updated parts for your yard truck this season, reach out to a member of our team to equip you with the best parts for your yard truck. For more tips on keeping your yard truck operating at its best, check out our Daily Maintenance Checklist.

Why Louisville Switching is Your Trusted OEM Dealer

Louisville Switching — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 21:34:49 GMT

Louisville Switching has been in the logistics industry – renting, leasing, selling, and servicing yard trucks, as well as providing exceptional service to our clients – for decades. We are a premium OEM dealer, specialized in Kalmar Ottawa Yard Trucks, that serves Louisville, KY and the surrounding area.

What does being an OEM dealer mean, and why should I look to Louisville Switching as that trusted partner?

Read on to discover how we can help minimize your business' downtime by providing all-encompassing service for you and your yard trucks.

What Does it Mean to Be an OEM Dealer?

An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is the original producer of vehicle components. Therefore, OEM vehicle parts are identical to those used to build a vehicle or truck because the OEM parts are produced by the same maker of the truck.

OEM parts tend to be more expensive than other aftermarket parts. But the price difference brings peace of mind with the assurance your replacement parts are fully compatible with your truck, and are made with the same quality standards as the original parts.

Louisville Switching is an OEM dealer for Kalmar Ottawa Yard Trucks, meaning you can find the reliable parts you need, both online or in-shop, when you need them.

Why Louisville Switching is Your Trusted OEM Dealer

We specialize in the following services to meet your business's unique needs and serve as a prime Ottawa Yard Truck OEM Dealer for the region, across the United States, and even worldwide.

Sales & Parts

At any given time, we have dozens of yard trucks for sale. From new to used, we have options that can fit the needs of your business.

We also keep a stocked warehouse of parts ready to be shipped worldwide. We make it quick and easy to get the parts you need -- from tires to engine parts -- to keep your fleet operating efficiently, ultimately helping to reduce downtime. Most of our parts are available through same-day shipping and next-day delivery.

Leasing & Rental

Need a yard truck for your business, but purchasing isn't an option? No worries -- Louisville Switching offers leasing and rental options for all Ottawa Yard Trucks.

We offer the following renting and leasing options:

Daily, weekly, and monthly rentals
1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year lease agreements

All of our lease and rental agreements are full-service maintenance agreements. Aside from our listed leasing options above, we offer custom agreements specifically tailored to your business requirements and needs.

Service & Refurbishment

After purchasing or leasing an Ottawa Yard Truck from Louisville Switching, our commitment doesn't end there. We are dedicated to keeping your trucks and your operation running smoothly.

If your truck requires service for a technical or mechanical issue, we have a service department committed to quickly addressing and fixing those issues. Our team can come to your business and service your yard trucks on-site with our mobile service truck. We can also service your truck in our fully-equipped garage at our Louisville location. Additionally, we can provide preventive maintenance for your trucks and trucking equipment.

Refurbishment is also a great option for truck owners who want to keep their current model truck while updating the parts, body, and other elements to lengthen the use and quality of the truck. If your truck has seen years of pulling and hard work, it may be time to look into refurbishment to keep it operating at maximum speed and efficiency.

If you need yard truck maintenance from parts to service, we hope you will trust our team at Louisville Switching to be your trusted OEM dealer in Louisville and the surrounding area. Contact us today with any questions you have about our Ottawa Yard Trucks.