5 Things You Need To Look For In a Brand

Source From Brands You Can Trust

Even though the back half of 2019 has not been the easiest on the trucking industry, there remains an emphasis on value versus cost when it comes to sourcing aftermarket truck parts for your vehicle or fleet.

With so many foreign parts distributors reaching out across social media and other avenues with promises of cheaper parts and fast delivery, it can be a tempting solution to keep your parts stocked without spending that extra money, especially during a point in the American economy that has not particularly favored the trucking industry.

It cannot be stressed enough that while there are exceptions to the value versus cost rule, such as a later life cycle on a commercial vehicle, value should still rule the day. But while you're doing your homework, how do you know which brands to trust?

Leading-Edge Manufacturing Processes

One of the first things to look for in a brand is their manufacturing process. Most importantly, do they have one? Are they transparent about it? Let's use HVAC leader Red Dot Corporation as an example. Red Dot's facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia integrate engineering, testing, and worldwide operational reach to manage the entire manufacturing processes of its HVAC components. This ensures that Red Dot can not only remain flexible with demand but also carefully manage quality control.

Superior Product Development Standards

Product development is a crucial element to the life cycle of a truck part. All too often, cheap parts result in an "almost fit" and there's no guarantee what industry professionals, if any, were involved to ensure that part's life cycle or application performance. With Red Dot, experts from multiple teams — including engineering, quality, purchasing, marketing, and manufacturing — are part of the product development process from concept to completion. This should be an important step for trusted brands as it ties in the ideas and feedback of both the technical side and the customer side.

Testing and Engineering to Industry Standards

One of the best reasons to invest in a brand is for the emphasis it puts on engineering its products. While it may not seem like A/C compressors and other truck parts that have been around for decades need to be further refined, the opposite is true. Commercial vehicles continue to modernize and evolve, especially in the areas of fuel efficiency and safe operation standards.

Red Dot's engineering for its HVAC parts strives for innovation, validation, and technical excellence and offers expert engineering consultation for individual trucking needs.

Fast and Efficient Distribution

Distribution is one of the most important factors that fleet owners and managers already look for when sourcing parts because let's face it, whether we're talking about freight or replacement parts, time is everything. The trucking industry literally depends on and runs on the concept of time, and those who are trying to get your business for aftermarket parts know that.

Red Dot understands the unique needs of both its OE and aftermarket suppliers and offers:

• Responsive delivery
• A global distribution network
• All-makes parts

We work with Red Dot and other trusted brands such as BorgWarner, Delco Remy, Meritor, ConMet, and more to supply you with the HVAC and other essential truck parts you need, when you need them, where you need them. With our fast order process, getting your truck or fleet back to business has never been easier.

Product Knowledge

Buying the parts you need is one thing — understanding them is something else entirely. Our highly trained parts team understands that different makes and applications have different needs, and whatever questions you have along the way about products, prices, brands, and more, we make it a point to work alongside the best brands in the industry like Red Dot to provide you with full-spectrum customer service even after your part gets delivered.

Where to Find Best Brand Truck Parts

Shop our online catalog for a wide selection of Red Dot HVAC and other truck parts. From wheels to the undercarriage to the cab, trust us to get you the parts that you need so you can focus on other areas of your trucking business. Whether you've got one commercial vehicle or several to look out for, we are your trusted source for the best aftermarket truck parts available, and with strategically placed distribution centers and convenient online order options, we know trucking and we're here to make it easy.

Key Points: Sourcing From Brands You Can Trust

• It can be tempting for truckers and fleet managers to source their commercial vehicle parts from cheap companies and foreign brands that promise big savings and fast shipping
• Although there are some exceptions to the cost versus value rule when it comes to sourcing truck parts, the value should almost always win
• Brands that put an emphasis on and are transparent about manufacturing, product development, testing and engineering, distribution standards, and product knowledge truly have the best interests of your truck and your business in mind.

Contact us today to learn more about the best brands in the commercial vehicle industry and to start your journey to being more intentional about where your aftermarket truck parts come from.