I think the single biggest maintenance-related impact we're facing today in the trucking maintenance arena is the dilemma of deferred maintenance. I know that many companies don't have the available capital that allows them to upgrade their equipment, let alone perform a fully comprehensive P.M. schedule. But at the end of the day, this simply adds to the dilemma.

The decision to forgo regular maintenance is usually driven by a number of factors: poor economic conditions, lack of freight, higher fuel prices, higher parts and service pricing. The practice, however, ultimately takes its toll on all units moving down the highway. For that reason, I strongly suggest that preventive programs be adjusted rather than completely deleted; this approach should help get you by for the time being and could possibly prevent a catastrophic failure. Safety items should always be a priority and a light service and lube may suffice.

Here's the catch. You must make sure that you not only advise your management of the results of deferred maintenance, but you must advise them that these costs will escalate in the future. Don't allow this deferral accountability to land on your shoulders. As I stated earlier, these costs will only climb - they probably already have - and you must have regular and serious meetings with owners and upper management to advise them of this.

Another issue is the fate of your parked power units. Good judgment suggests removing parts, tires, and other interchangeable items to keep costs down and your active units safe and roadworthy. There's nothing wrong with this practice, but as stated earlier, it's imperative that you keep your management group apprised of the inevitable cost of activating idled equipment. Even if you're not using parts from your parked fleet, these units will go down hill quickly in their parked state and a thorough inspection will be required prior to dispatching.

The pay-me-now or pay-me-later statement is simply not plausible in today's freight environment, but it can be acknowledged, minimized and managed to prevent deferred pain.