If you’re in the market for semi truck parts North America, there are a few things you should look out for. Among the most common issues are: Cost, Lead time, and Supply chain constraints. Read on to learn more about the problems and solutions you can use to make the process of purchasing new or replacement parts a smoother one. Also, be sure to find a dealer or distributor that can provide the parts you need for your truck.
Supply chain constraints
The ripple effect of manufacturing problems has reached the heavy-duty truck parts and service industry, resulting in longer wait times for repairs and maintenance. This issue has put fleet managers and parts counter managers in an uphill battle as they navigate the difficult waters of pricing and supply. Part of the problem stems from the intense months surrounding the pandemic in 2020, which caused manufacturing plants to shut down and preventative measures to be implemented across several markets.
The supply chain problem for truck manufacturers is a multi-headed snake, affecting the industry as a whole. In July, North American Class 8 truck production reached its lowest level since May 2020. The backlog of trucks ordered but not built soared to a record 262,100. Despite the problems, the truck makers are struggling to meet demand due to supply chain constraints. In fact, many of these companies reported that the shortage of these parts is so severe that it has forced them to stop truck production.
Quality of aftermarket parts
While both aftermarket and OEM parts can provide excellent performance, aftermarket truck parts are not exactly the same. While they may be of similar quality, they may not have the same engineering or system cohesiveness. It is important to choose the correct part for the vehicle that you own, as well as its specific needs. To make the best choice, you should consider the following factors when selecting aftermarket parts:
Reliability is key. When it comes to aftermarket truck parts, reliability is key. From reliable belts and pulleys to dependable electrical systems, a high-quality aftermarket semi truck part is essential. Whether you own a Freightliner, Western Star, or Thomas Built Bus, you can find the parts you need from an Alliance(tm) Parts dealer nationwide.
Cost of new parts
The cost of new semi truck parts can be a significant factor in the running of a fleet. According to Decisiv, the industry’s largest asset service management software company, the top three spending categories were powertrain, brakes, and exhaust systems. Brakes represent about 5% of the cost of all trucks, and may be a reflection of increased mileage. Engine and exhaust repairs may also be increasing as warranty coverage expires.
The cost of maintaining a truck can be enormous. Aftermarket purchases of Class 8 truck parts in the United States totaled $31.6 billion in 2019, according to a study conducted by MacKay & Co. The largest sources of aftermarket truck parts were independent repair garages and heavy-duty distributors, which account for 18% of the total market. Other locations included specialized dealerships.
Lead times for replacement parts
With a dwindling inventory and a high demand for parts, manufacturers have struggled to meet a tight timeline. Tires and forged parts are in short supply, so lead times have been pushed out to weeks or even months. In South St. Paul, Minnesota, 80 Peterbilt trucks are sitting in a repair shop waiting for parts. The breakdown of the global supply chain has extended lead times and put fleets under financial pressure.
While the shortage of semiconductors has strained OEMs’ ability to produce trucks and parts, many of them have responded by implementing alternative sourcing and assembly strategies to maximize production output and move new equipment to market. But these tactics have not addressed the underlying cause of parts shortages in the trucking industry. With a limited number of OEMs expressing confidence in the coming year, few extra slots should be appearing in the next few months.
Distribution of aftermarket parts in North America
The aftermarket demand for Class 6-8 truck parts, trailers, and containers in the U.S. reached $31.6 billion in 2019. According to the study, heavy-duty distributors account for 18% of the aftermarket’s total sales, while independent repair garages handle 9%. Specialty dealerships and other non-traditional sources make up the remaining 9%. A sample index report is available online.
In addition to these associations, the heavy-duty aftermarket is served by VIPAR Heavy Duty, an independent, North American network of aftermarket distributors with over 500 locations. Through these distributors, the industry gets high-quality truck parts and exceptional service at a great value. The HDDA is a powerful voice on Capitol Hill for the aftermarket. It has been a member of the Truck Parts Association (TPA) since 1998 and is leading the way in supporting industry cooperation and data standards.