This article was published in the November 2023 edition of NTEA News.
Registration and housing are open for Work Truck Week 2024, scheduled March 5–8, 2024, at Indiana Convention Center (Indianapolis, Indiana). The event’s educational program, held March 5–7, provides industry professionals an opportunity to connect with technical experts and thought leaders on a variety of topical areas with content designed to help companies improve efficiency, implement best practices and enhance operational growth.
Work Truck Week (WTW) and Green Truck Summit (GTS) Conference Package registrants can choose from a full slate of educational sessions. Key topics address market data and industry trends, vehicle engineering and compliance, government regulations, advanced vehicle and fuel technology, chassis OEM updates, workforce development and more.
WTW Breakout Sessions
Breakout Sessions are available to all WTW and GTS Conference Package registrants. See course descriptions at worktruckweek.com/schedule.
Tuesday, March 5, 1:30–2:45 p.m.
- Considerations for Driver Assistance Technology and Second-Stage Commercial Vehicles
- Freightliner Custom Chassis Update Session
- International Truck Chassis Update Session
- Work Truck Industry Economic Overview and Market Forecast
Tuesday, March 5, 3–4:15 p.m.
- Daimler Truck North America Chassis Update Session
- Exploring Idle Reduction Technologies for BEV and ICE Vehicles
- GM Envolve Chassis Update Session
- The Top 10 Misconceptions of Vehicle Certification
Wednesday, March 6, 8–9:15 a.m.
- Demystifying ePTO Applications
- Global Work Truck Market Trends and Implications
- Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Chassis Update Session
- Peterbilt Motors Company Chassis Update Session
- Ram Commercial Chassis Update Session
- Upcoming U.S. Department of Energy Initiatives Affecting the Commercial Vehicle Industry
Wednesday, March 6,9:30–10:45 a.m.
- A Guide to EV Technology and Work Truck Applications
- Ford Pro Chassis Update Session (9:45–11 a.m.)
- Hino Trucks Chassis Update Session
- Mack Trucks Chassis Update Session
- Using Time to Create More Time
Thursday, March 7, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
- Expanding TCO Calculations: Factoring in Tax Credits and Incentives for Advanced Fuel Considerations
- Kenworth Truck Company Chassis Update Session
- Mercedes-Benz USA Chassis Update Session
- Upfitting on EVs: Chassis OEM Perspectives
Special Sessions
Beyond the Breakout Sessions, WTW24 features the following Special Sessions. These courses, unless noted otherwise, are not included in any registration package. They’re available separately for purchase.
Getting Started with Fleet Management
Wednesday, March 6, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
This workshop offers an introduction to important elements of an effective fleet management program. If you’re new to fleet management or a business owner, agency director, procurement or finance official who serves as the de facto fleet manager in your organization, this workshop is for you. Topics include maintenance program design and shop operations management; outsourcing and supplier management; performance measurement and benchmarking; managing vehicle total cost of ownership; and fleet replacement. This workshop can also serve as a good refresher for seasoned fleet professionals.
Presented by: Marc Canton, Head of Product and Fleet Analytics, RTA Fleet; Steve Saltzgiver, Fleet Ambassador, RTA Fleet; and Tony Yankovich, Director of Advisory Services, RTA Fleet
Generation Next Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception: Leading Through Change
Wednesday, March 6, 2:30–5:30 p.m.
Change is constant and people tend to recoil from it. But driving needed change and navigating unplanned change are vital skills that help stoke the vibrancy of any organization. Change happens much more easily and efficiently when our people climb aboard. Learn the keys to leading your team successfully through change, including:
- 4 ways to create a culture that responds positively to change
- 5 reasons we resist change and how to overcome each one
- 6 leadership tactics to ensure the best possible response when presenting change to your people
- 12 strategies enabling you to steer your team through change
- 3 ways to get buy-in
Presented by: Doug Cartland, President, Doug Cartland Inc.
Indiana LTAP Fleet Educational Program: Municipal Fleet Management and Incorporating Alternative-Fueled Vehicles
Thursday, March 7, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
The introduction of trucks and buses powered by compressed and liquid natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, electric vehicles and electric hybrid power units has drastically changed the landscape for municipal fleet managers. This shift in vehicle power units happened almost overnight, and now fleets need to revisit their vehicle life cycle analysis as well as reimagine how they specify, upfit, finance and maintain their fleet. In addition, fleets may also need to consider the impacts of incorporating anti-idling and efficient diesel technology with an existing fleet of combustion engines to boost performance to the same standard as alternative fuel vehicles. Course participants will:
- Visit the history of the municipal fleet
- Learn the methodology behind fleet life cycle cost analysis and replacement strategies
- Discover technologies to assist municipal fleet managers
- Review the types of alternative fuels available to power today’s fleet
- Discuss strategies for managing tomorrow’s municipal fleet
Presented by: Richard Domonkos, Program Manager, Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University
Creating a Roadmap to Increase Truck Dealer Commercial Vehicle Sales
Thursday, March 7, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
With current marketplace challenges, it’s easy to sit back and wait for economic improvement before taking action to increase sales. However, there is no better time than now to employ innovative business improvement strategies and overcome obstacles to gain new customers. This session will provide a blueprint for success to help your commercial vehicle business grow and prosper.
Presented by: Ken Taylor, President, Ken Taylor & Associates Inc.
Advanced Principles of Fleet Management
Thursday, March 9, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
This session is designed as a more advanced course for fleet managers who have some experience in the field and are seeking practical applications they can immediately implement. Session topics include:
- Staffing analysis and workforce development
- Data analytics/KPI (key performance indicator) reporting
- Cost of service, cost allocation and charge backs
Presented by: Marc Canton, Head of Product and Fleet Analytics, RTA Fleet; Steve Saltzgiver, Fleet Ambassador, RTA Fleet; and Tony Yankovich, Director of Advisory Services, RTA Fleet
Visit worktruckweek.com for more details, including access to online exhibitor and product listings, schedule of events, registration and housing.