Are owner operators and small fleets overlooking an important cost savings advantage enjoyed by the big fleets? They are if they aren't retreading their tires. Truck tire retreading has become so popular that truckers today purchase about 18.7 million retreads annually, compared to about 13.5 million new replacement tires. It is estimted those retread purchases result in more then a $2 billion dol
lar annual savings for the trucking industry. Even with those savings there are a good number of owner operators who say, " I can't run on caps because I have to travel through the desert. I can't run on caps because I carry too much weight. I can't run on caps because they come apart and damage my equipment." What they are really saying is, " I don't want a piece ofthe $2 billion pie because I don't know how to maintain my tires like fleets do." Fleets can't afford to have their equipment torn apart by failed tires anymore than an owner can. With just-in-time freight and guarantee delivery times, they can't afford en route failure anymore than owner operators can. Fleets have to carry those same heavy loads and travel through the desert and other hot regions of the country just like owner operators do. Fleet managers know that with todays technology retreads don't come apart. If a tire fails and throws alligators all over the road they know it is probably caused by a casing failure. The wire embedded in the rubber is a clear indication that it is not a result of a retread failure. Fleet managers also know that the air pressure gauge and the consistent use of it is their best insurance against en route tire failure. They also know that a stringent casing inspection standards and a good retread supplier are keys to their success. A good rule for owner operators to follow is: Don't buy you retreads on the raod from a vender who knows he won't hear from you again. Establish a relationship with your retread supplier. Most important, remember tires must be maintained. Whether you are running on a new set of tires or retreads, consistent air pressure maintenance is the most important factor in a successful tire program.
