Penske Logistics Earns Ford Gold World Excellence Award
March 31, 2011
Penske Logistics has been awarded Ford Motor Company’s Gold World Excellence Award. This is the third World Excellence Award Penske Logistics has earned from Ford and it is the second time the company has earned Gold.
<p>“We’re sincerely honored to receive this award but it would not have been possible without the close collaboration between the Ford and Penske teams,” said <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/about/leadership-team/marc-althen/">Marc Althen</a>, <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/">Penske Logistics</a> president. “Thanks to all of our associates supporting the Ford business worldwide.”</p><p>Forty-seven suppliers from 16 countries were recently recognized at <a href="http://www.ford.com/">Ford’s</a> 13<sup>th</sup> annual awards event. The Gold Awards are presented to suppliers demonstrating superior quality, delivery and cost performance. The Ford World Excellence Awards honor production and nonproduction suppliers that have aligned themselves with the values and operating practices of Ford while reaching the highest quality, technology, cost and delivery standards. The winning companies represent thousands of employees, who bring diverse cultures, values and ideas to Ford in the products and services they make.</p><p>“Our 2010 World Excellence Award winners have shown an unwavering commitment to excellence in technology, quality and cost efficiency,” said Tony Brown, Ford’s group vice president for global purchasing. “Congratulations, and thank you for helping Ford serve customers with the best vehicles in the world.”</p><p><a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/solutions/">Penske Logistics</a> provides a wide range of supply chain services to Ford Motor Company including serving as its North American lead logistics provider for its assembly, power train and stamping operations. In <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/south-america/pt/">South America</a>, Penske supports Ford by operating parts distribution centers and through the delivery of parts to Ford dealerships in Brazil. Penske provides sub-assembly and material handling services for Ford product lines in the U.K. and manages expedited transportation services for service parts across <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/europe/">Europe</a>. Penske Logistics is a strategic supplier to Ford and is a part of its Aligned Business Framework.</p><p><em>By Alen Beljin</em></p></div>
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Penske Refreshes and Expands Truck Rental Fleet in Response to Commercial and Consumer Demand
March 30, 2011
As Penske’s Paul Rosa sees it, an increase in truck rentals serves as a bullish barometer for the transportation industry.
<p>“The boom in the <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rental/">commercial rental product line</a> is a good indicator that the truck rental industry is recovering,” noted Rosa, vice president of supply and planning for <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">Penske Truck Leasing</a>. “We’re ramping up our fleet to support the current uptick of the manufacturing segment and the automotive industry – two trades that require high volumes of freight transportation.”</p><p><a href="https://www.gopenske.com/">Penske</a> is gearing up for its peak season by adding more than 11,000 new <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">consumer</a> and commercial trucks to its rental fleet. Each truck features the new 2011 engine that provides better fuel economy and lower emissions, improving the carbon footprint. To optimize fuel efficiency, new units feature more aerodynamic cabs, low-rolling resistance tires and roof fairings to reduce wind resistance.</p><p>In response to market demand, Penske has expanded its commercial rental fleet to 40,000 units. The company is in position to swiftly respond to market needs – its significant buying power provides Penske customers with vehicles a few steps ahead of the competition.</p><p>The new 2011 consumer rental trucks will enter the market just in time for Penske’s busy moving season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, bringing the total consumer rental fleet to 13,000 units.</p><p>“Our goal is the keep the fleet fresh to give customers the best moving experience,” said Don Mikes, vice president of rental. “New trucks help ensure that our customers are renting the <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/dot-regulations/">safest</a> and most fuel-efficient units. Having a newer fleet also helps keep <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">maintenance costs</a> down. ”</p><p>The growing demand for rental trucks signifies other good news for Penske. “It’s a wonderful precursor to the <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">long-term leasing</a> side of our business,” Rosa said. “Over the last six months, customers’ propensity to lease has been on the rise.”</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Industry experts continue to predict that truck capacity will tighten. This is due in large part to economic growth combined with industry-specific regulations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) newCompliance Safety Accountability (CSA) program, new hours-of-service (HOS) rules, and escalating fuel costs.
<p><strong>CSA</strong></p><p>CSA is being rolled out in an effort to improve safety over the FMCSA SafeStat program. The expected trade-off will result in a significant reduction in capacity. CSA will purge bad commercial drivers from the industry, resulting in improved screening processes for new drivers, and closer monitoring of existing drivers’ performance. Carriers who continue to hire or retain “un-fit” drivers will face litigation exposure for negligent hiring/retention. CSA could potentially force seven to 10 percent of the existing driver workforce out of the industry, as many drivers will no longer qualify to operate commercial trucks.</p><p><strong>Increasing Freight Volumes</strong></p><p>Freight volumes are continuing to grow as the economy rebounds. Manufacturing is the prime driver for freight growth, and manufacturing output has grown at its fastest pace in seven years, according to the Institute for Supply Management. With Gross Domestic Product expected to grow by 3.3 percent this year and slightly more in 2012, the impact will continue to increase freight volumes, creating the need for more capacity.</p><p><strong>Escalating Fuel Costs</strong></p><p>The latest industry predictions for diesel fuel is expected to average $3.81 a gallon this year, and by 2012, the average fuel cost will be $3.82, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).</p><p>Many shippers developed budgets based on out-of-date information. What was factual information in 2010 didn’t hold true in January. First of the year predictions had fuel at $3.23 per gallon.</p><p>Small fleets, which provide a substantial percentage of truck capacity, are more vulnerable to increased fuel prices than the larger fleets. Historically, as fuel prices rise, there has been an increase in carrier failures.</p><p><strong>HOS</strong></p><p>Anticipated changes to HOS rulemaking will impact the daily drive time and drivers’ restart. Driver time is expected to be reduced from 11 to 10 hours, which equates to a nine percent reduction in drive time. The change would require 150,000 more trucks to move the same amount of freight. Additional changes to HOS rulemaking will have an impact on truck utilization and capacity.</p><p>For more information on truck capacity and how Penske can help, contact your local representative, or visit <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">PenskeTruckLeasing.com</a>.</p><p><em>By Kathleen Walter</em></p></div>
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New South America Penske Logistics Leader Named
March 23, 2011
Penske Logistics has named Paulo Sarti as managing director forSouth American operations. Based in São Paulo, Brazil, he is responsible for the operations and growth of business in South America. He is the first Brazilian to attain this leadership position.
<p>Employed by Penske since 2004, <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/company/paulo_sarti.html">Sarti</a> was most recently senior director of operations. In this capacity, Sarti was responsible for leading a team of over 1,400 associates. He managed operations of distribution centers, transportation and in-plant logistics for nearly two dozen locations across Brazil.</p><p>He also led contract renegotiations, new customer deployment, cost restructuring and improved productivity efforts. Sarti has also served Penske in sales, engineering and operations capacities.</p><p>Sarti succeeds <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/about/leadership-team/william-scroggie/">Bill Scroggie</a>, who has returned to the U.S. to serve as the company’s senior vice president of operations for the Central region.</p><p>“I am very pleased to be named managing director,” Sarti said. “This is an excellent time to focus on the amazing growth opportunities in Brazil, and build on our momentum to drive Penske towards continuous success. I am looking forward to making significant contributions in the years ahead.”</p><p>He earned a bachelor’s degree in science and business administration from Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado – FAAP. Sarti resides in São Paulo, Brazil with his wife and two children.</p><p>“Naming Paulo Sarti as our managing director in South America will allow Penske to continue building on the good work of Bill Scroggie,” said <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/about/leadership-team/marc-althen/">Marc Althen</a>, <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/">Penske Logistics</a> president. “His extensive knowledge of our operations, and his close working relationship with our customers, will provide a seamless leadership transition.”</p><p><em>To read more about Penske Logistics and its dynamic growth story in South America <a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/logistics/penske-logistics-positioned-to-serve-brazil%e2%80%99s-growth/" title="Penske Logistics Positioned to Serve Brazil’s Growth">click here.</a></em></p><p><em>By Alen Beljin</em></p></div>
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Are You Ready for CSA?
March 21, 2011
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) new truck safety program, Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) is in full effect. Understanding the entire program can be difficult, but there are many informational tools to grasp the overall goal of the program and what is now expected from carriers.
<p>Transport Topics magazine recently released a special, in-depth report to help clarify CSA. The report includes information on:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>The new safety system</li> <li>What carriers need to know</li> <li>How the Inspection Selection System works</li> <li>Understanding your score</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">Penske</a> is providing a<strong> </strong>free copy of this report. <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/safety/comprehensive-safety-analysis.html">Click here</a> to download a PDF of this special Transport Topics issue, watch a video and sign up for informational e-mails.</p><p><em>By Kathleen Walter</em></p></div>
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“We’re committed to growing and supporting our diverse supplier base companywide,” said Art Vallely, who leads Penske’s corporate procurement activities as senior vice president of rental and vehicle management.
<p>In 2010, <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">Penske Truck Leasing</a> and <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/">Penske Logistics</a> spent approximately $150 million with hundreds of minority-owned and women-owned businesses combined. This represented more than 13 percent of the total annual spend with suppliers. Even during the most-recent economic downturn, Penske continued to grow its base of diverse suppliers.</p><p>“We’ve made a concerted effort to identify and use diverse suppliers for a wide range of products and services,” said Paige Lightner, Penske’s director of sourcing. “Many of our diverse suppliers are small local businesses based within the communities where we have operations. We value the local supplier relationships as these help our businesses to reflect the communities we serve.”</p><p>Supporting minority-owned and women-owned businesses is good for the overall U.S. economy. According to the Department of Commerce’s <a href="http://www.mbda.gov/">Minority Business Development Agency</a>, these firms collectively generate about $1 trillion in economic output to the U.S. economy and help create millions of jobs annually. (See related article from <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704858404576134213451971074.html">The Wall Street Journal</a>.)</p><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4b05e04dd01ec24f03cc901fee3bdb82" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="f2b1e" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNjg0Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTU5Njg1MTMxM30.HDlCFYvPfagp_sy6Wfm-pBAHlR7S9zJPyOAWdCeCncw/img.jpg?width=980"/>“We are always looking for reputable, high-quality diverse suppliers, and we encourage anyone interested in doing business with us to contact us,” Lightner added, photo on right. “Our supplier diversity efforts not only reinforce our <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/company_culture.html">commitment to diversity at the company</a>, but we also see it adding value to our business from a competitive standpoint. We are aligning our diversity initiatives with those of our customers.”</p><p>Penske is a member of the <a href="http://www.nmsdc.org/">National Minority Supplier Development Council</a> (NMSDC), one of the country's leading business membership organizations, and has been active with the group since 1996.</p><p>“As members we allocate part of our dues to support the regional councils in Michigan and Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware due to the presence of operations we have within those areas. We seek to include diverse suppliers where we can,” indicated Lightner. “Once these suppliers are in our systems, it becomes easier for others within the organization to utilize their services.”</p><p>The NMSDC’s regional councils certify and match more than 16,000 minority-owned businesses with member corporations that want to purchase goods and services.</p><p>The range of services Penske Truck Leasing and Penske Logistics procure from minority-owned and women-owned businesses varies greatly and includes consulting services, third-party trucking carriers, installation, temporary staffing, janitorial, landscaping, building maintenance, telecommunications support, contracting, and more.</p><p>Qualified suppliers interested in registering with Penske Truck Leasing or Penske Logistics as a minority-owned, women-owned or small business should send an introductory <a href="mailto:ptl.sourcing@penske.com">e-mail</a>, and a procurement department representative will contact you with the necessary forms and other background information.</p><p><em>By Randy Ryerson</em></p></div>
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Higher Fuel Prices Persist
March 16, 2011
Last January, “Move Ahead” posted a piece titledAs Diesel Prices Rise Truck Fleets Seek Solutions. At that time we speculated a diesel price déjà vu scenario may be developing. Since our original post prices for on-highway diesel fuel and gasoline have continued to rise.
<p>Back in January, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasted diesel prices would average $3.23 per gallon in 2011. However, EIA has since revised its forecast upwards. It now forecasts that diesel prices will average $3.81 per gallon in 2011 and $3.82 per gallon in 2012, respectively.</p><p>Bob Costello, chief economist and vice president at the American Trucking Associations has also revised his forecast. He now estimates the industry will spend over $130 billion on diesel fuel this year, which is $15 billion more than the estimate he provided back in January. “For many fleets fuel outlays have either caught or surpassed labor expenses,” Costello stated.</p><p>According to the EIA, the average price for on-highway diesel was $3.90 per gallon on March 14.</p><p>Here are a few fuel efficiency tips that can be adopted by truck fleets of all sizes:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Slow down, and reduce road speed</li> <li>Use cruise control when possible</li> <li>Avoid accelerating or decelerating too quickly</li> <li>Reduce engine warm-up time</li> <li>Limit your idle time</li> <li>Remain in top gear for as long as possible and get to your destination as quickly as possible</li></ul><p><em>By Randy Ryerson</em></p></div>
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Being Safe When Renting a Moving Truck
March 11, 2011
The do-it-yourself move can appear a bit daunting at first, and since the average mover is unaccustomed to regularly driving a truck, we’re offering a few ease-of-mind tips to ensure that a safe move takes place in the iconic yellowPenske truck:
<p><strong>Get Oriented.</strong> Familiarize yourself with the truck’s switches and gauges. Properly adjust the side mirrors for maximum visibility. Give yourself enough time.</p><p><strong>Awareness is Key. </strong><a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/moving-trucks/">Trucks</a> are taller, wider and may weigh up to 10 times more than the average car.</p><p><strong>Blind Spots.</strong> Trucks have oversized blind spots, known as the “No Zone” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Know these spots by visiting <a href="http://www.sharetheroadsafely.org/">http://www.sharetheroadsafely.org/</a> especially when changing lanes or coming to a stop.</p><p><strong>Antilock Brakes</strong>. The key is to let antilock brakes do its work, and that’s accomplished by applying to the pedal constant and firm pressure. That should prevent brake lockup and loss of steering. There is no need to pump antilock brakes multiple times, as is the case with older cars.</p><p><strong>Being Aware of What You Transport</strong>. Typically, truck rental agreements contain language from the U.S. Department of Transportation, prohibiting the “carrying or hauling of explosives and other dangerous articles.” That means you should avoid packing flammable items such as paint, chemicals and cleaning materials, flammable solvents, propane, gasoline, etc. Your rental agent can clarify the list further.</p><p><strong>Extra Protection.</strong> Most insurance and credit card companies won’t cover trucks rentals under existing policies. If your insurance company is among them, consider signing up for <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/renting-from-penske/coverage/">additional coverage options</a> to protect you and your belongings. Feel confident knowing that Penske offers 24/7 free emergency roadside assistance.</p><p>Look for more moving tips online at <a href="http://www.PenskeTruckRental.com">www.PenskeTruckRental.com</a> and to view the <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/">discounts</a> that Penske Truck Rental offers.</p><p><em>By “Move Ahead” Staff </em></p></div>
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Do-it-Yourself Moving Tips
March 10, 2011
Whether you’re moving out of a just-the-basics apartment or a large family home, one of the tools you’ll probably need is a moving truck. Because we’ve been serving customers on the move for more than 40 years, we have a few tips to get you started:
<p><strong>* Packing prep.</strong> Tackle packing bit by bit. By starting early, you’ll avoid the stress that comes with rushing. If you’re concerned you’ll need a certain item that you’re packing, pack it and leave the box open. It’s a lot easier to tape up boxes on moving day than it is to frantically pack at the last moment. <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/supplies-and-services/">Buy sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes</a>, along with foam and bubble wrap to protect your fragile items, a good supply of packing tape and bold markers for labeling boxes. On the big day, moving blankets and hand trucks will make the experience more enjoyable – be sure you’ve got them on hand.</p><p><strong>* Lighten your load.</strong> As you start planning your move, you should also consider planning a moving sale. While packing, set aside a designated space or boxes for items you can sell. A good rule of thumb -- if you haven’t used it in the last year, it can probably go. If there are unsold items, donate them to a local charity that needs what you need to get rid of.</p><p><strong>* Mark and group.</strong> <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/renting-from-penske/plan-your-move/">Label the outside of your boxes as you pack. </a> First, list the room that the items belong in, and, if you want more detail, you can list an overview of what’s in the box. As you move, keep the boxes for each room together as much as possible.</p><p><strong>* Get trucking.</strong> For people moving across town, it’s exhausting to make multiple trips between their old and new homes. For those moving across country, it’s an impossibility. In either scenario, renting a moving truck will make the process easier and faster. Reserve at least two weeks in advance to avoid getting stuck without transportation -- we guarantee a truck for every reservation. Most movers find the 12- or 16-foot truck perfect for moving a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment. For guidance with larger moves or your truck selection, visit <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">http://www.pensketruckrental.com/</a> for more information.</p><p><strong><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="eff41361354967ee090fb2ea94c4b471" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="b1807" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNjg0Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzA0MTgwNn0.Qy3s5vKGcychIUozbU2JHF2g3jB-YUG22fgBSOlFJS8/img.jpg?width=980"/>* Pack smart.</strong> Load the heaviest items on the truck first. When you’ve got a sturdy base of the heaviest items, you can start stacking on top. This is when it’s handy to have a list on the outside of the box, detailing its contents. If you have friends and family helping you, they’ll know not to set books on top of your china.</p><p><strong>* Think green. </strong>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the SmartWay Transport Partnership to promote more environmentally friendly transportation. Penske is an <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/penske/sustainability/" title="Penske Companies Support SmartWay Transport Partnership">active supporter</a> of the program and its mission to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. To further "green" your move look for earth-friendly packing materials or even shred your unneeded papers to make your own packing material for your boxes.</p><p><strong>* Safety and security. </strong>Trucks are taller, wider, heavier and require more stopping distance than the vehicle you are used to driving. Take extra precautions, especially when the truck is loaded. Watch out for low-hanging tree branches and building overhangs and use extra caution when cornering. To protect your belongings, park in well-lit areas and padlock the rear door.</p><p>To make sure you’ve got everything you need on moving day, create a travel bag for keeping important paperwork, credit cards, identification, change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. For a complete list of moving tips or to schedule a truck rental reservation, visit <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/" title="blocked::http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">www.PenskeTruckRental.com</a>.</p><p><em> By "Move Ahead" Staff</em></p></div>
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Moving with pets? Take extra care
March 08, 2011
Your four-legged friends rely on you to be organized and well prepared for a safe, comfortable moving experience. So, when you’replanning a big move remember they have special needs, too.
<p>While exotic pets require extra special attention during moves, the “<a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/">Move Ahead</a>” team is focusing on dogs and cats – the most common pets among Americans. According to a recent study by the American Pet Products Association, 71 million homes have at least one pet. Of those households, 45 million have dogs and 38 million have cats. Nearly 11 million households move with their pets annually.</p><p>The <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/">Humane Society</a> recommends getting microchips for cats and dogs prior to a move. Microchips are tiny transponders containing a dog or cat’s unique identification code. Microchip companies use this code to identify the pet and retrieve the owner’s contact information.</p><p>“When you’re moving into a new environment, there is a higher probability of your pet escaping,” said Dylan Heckart, director of development and public relations, <a href="http://www.berkshumane.org/cms/index.php">Humane Society of Berks County</a>, Douglassville, Pa. “Your pet is unfamiliar with its new yard and new surroundings,” he continued. “If your lost pet is taken to an animal shelter or vet clinic, we can scan the microchip and reach you immediately. It’s really the best way to make sure your animal is quickly reunited with you.”</p><p>Heckart also recommends researching the new licensing and vaccination requirements if your move is out of state. Pet owners should obtain a copy of their pet’s vaccinations and medical history or request that this information be faxed to the new pet care provider.</p><p>The Humane Society and other animal experts recommend the following additional tips to help movers and their furry companions have a pleasant experience aboard their <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">Penske rental moving truck</a>.</p><p><strong>Before the Move</strong></p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Make sure your cat or dog has a sturdy collar with its name, your name, your cell phone and your destination address and phone number (or another emergency contact).</li> <li>Stock up on at least one week’s worth of your pet’s medications, should you have difficulty scheduling an appointment with your new veterinarian.</li> <li>If your dog becomes ill while traveling, ask your vet about a new prescription medication for motion sickness treatment.</li> <li>Pet crates provide a safe haven for most animals during long rides in a moving truck and help reduce their anxiety levels. Purchase a pet travel crate, if you don’t own one, and crate train your pet in advance of your move by taking it on shorter trips in your personal vehicle. If your pet is happy on the road without a crate, be sure to use a restraining harness for your own and your pet’s safety.</li> <li>Pack a traveling bag for your pet and include items such as food, water, treats, plastic bags, a scoop and bed, if needed.</li> <li>Research a few emergency animal care centers or veterinary hospitals in advance along your planned travel route. Put those numbers into your mobile phone in the event of an emergency.</li></ul><p><strong>On Moving Day</strong></p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Refrain from feeding your pet for a few hours before and during the trip to avoid an upset stomach, but be sure to keep your pet hydrated with plenty of water.</li> <li>While furniture and boxes are being taken to the moving truck, keep your pet away from the commotion. Bathrooms or other small rooms provide a safe and quiet place for your pet. Be sure to hang a sign on the door to alert others not to open it.</li> <li>Your pet should always ride up front in the truck cab with you, either in its crate or secured in a harness.</li> <li>Do not keep your pet in the back of your Penske truck’s cargo area while traveling as it may be injured.</li> <li>Be sure your pet is leashed or in a pet crate when outside your truck and that it is always wearing its ID tag.</li> <li>Do not leave your pet in the cab of the truck with the windows up or in the back of your Penske truck while stopped. Animals can quickly overheat in these areas.</li> <li>If your pet becomes overheated while traveling, take it into an air-conditioned area and place it in a shallow tub of cool water or rub it down with cool, wet towels.</li></ul><p>Remember, if you have any concerns about traveling with your pet please be sure to check with your veterinarian well before your move. By following these tips, you and your pets can have a positive moving experience from start to finish.</p><p>To reserve your Penske rental truck, please visit <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">PenskeTruckRental.com</a> or call 888-996-5415.</p><p><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Penske Maintenance Technician Certification Program Equals Excellence and Opportunity
March 02, 2011
For Jonathan Hester, completing the Technician Certification Program (TCP) was about becoming a better truck maintenance technician, with an eye towards advancement.
<p>A <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/">Penske</a> Truck Leasing employee in Garland, Texas, Hester was promoted from a tech II to a tech I after completing a training program that’s nationally certified by the industry’s gold standard, the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, better known as <a href="http://www.asecert.org/">ASE</a>.</p><p>“It was a good experience and I’m a better mechanic because of it,” Hester said. “I always keep trying to progress.” Hester endeavors to be a district service manager and then an area maintenance manager.</p><p>In 2008, Penske was the first <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">truck leasing</a>, <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/">truck rental</a> and <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/">logistics</a> company to <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/newsroom/2008_maintenance_ASE_certification.html">earn CASE certification</a> for its Continuing Automotive Service Education program. And, the company has built on it since then.</p><p>“In order to maintain a high standard of quality in our service departments, our technicians have to be the very best in the industry,” explained Mark Oliver, Penske’s senior vice president of maintenance. “Our TCP initiative is the key to promoting and providing the structure and discipline necessary to field a terrific group of technicians.”</p><p>There are nearly 4,000 Penske truck maintenance technicians and almost 1,000 customer service technicians <a href="https://www.pensketruckleasing.com/">servicing a fleet of 210,000 trucks</a>, which range from 16-foot box trucks for consumer do-it-yourself moves, to tractors that haul goods and services across the nation’s highways.</p><p>The U.S. technicians are trained via online, hands-on and classroom instructional methods.</p><p>Chris Schmidt has been with Penske for over five years and works in Eau Claire, Wis. Like Hester, he was able to advance from a tech II to tech I. “It was challenging and it took a lot of time, but it was definitely worth it,” he explained. “I would like to manage a shop and possibly become a district service manager.”</p><p>Oliver, from his office at the company’s headquarters in Reading, Pa., takes personal pride in each new Penske TCP certified technician.</p><p>“Nothing makes me happier than to personally sign off on every recognition certificate that we award to each and every technician as they achieve certification at the various levels of the program,” Oliver said.</p><p>“Our customers deserve a very high degree of reliability and operating performance from our trucks,” he continued. “As Roger Penske said to me 28 years ago, ‘Mark, if you take care of the customers the business will take care of itself.’ That mindset is in our DNA at Penske, and this program allows us to do a better job of taking care of our customers, plain and simple.”</p><p><em>By Alen Beljin</em></p></div>
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