Utility Fleet Professional Podcast

Join host Kurt Moreland , associate publisher with Utility Fleet Professional, for a special ”Under the Hood” episode live from the floor of the Utility Expo. Kurt sits down with Mandar Dighe in the company’s outdoor tent to discuss adaptation and growth in a volatile market. They explore the company’s incredible 177-year history , which started with building wagons for the Oregon Trail, and how that legacy of adaptation informs their current strategy. Mandar explains how the company is positioned against tariffs thanks to its high US content (96-97% in service bodies) and stateside-sourced metal. The discussion also covers their close technical relationships with major truck OEMs , a recent 150,000-square-foot plant expansion designed to reduce lead times , and the ”mission specific” advantages of steel versus aluminum truck bodies. 🔑 Key Takeaways Insulated from Tariffs: The company is well-positioned against tariff situations. Their service bodies are 96-97% US content , and even their metal is sourced stateside , insulating them from some global supply chain volatility. OEM Collaboration: They maintain strong personal and technical relationships with all major OEMs, including the ”Big Three” (GM, Ford, Stellantis) and heavy-duty manufacturers. This data sharing is crucial for ensuring their upfits are safe, compliant, and productive. Massive Plant Expansion: To address stretched lead times seen since the pandemic, the company completed a 150,000-square-foot expansion. This new space includes state-of-the-art robotics and automation to be ready for the next market boom. Material Options: The choice between steel and aluminum depends on the customer’s ”mission specs”. Aluminum offers light weight and corrosion resistance , while steel is the ”workhorse of the industry” that provides great flexibility for customization. Rust Prevention: The company utilizes a 100% electrostatic deposit coat (E-coat) dip tank to protect its steel bodies. It is one of the largest E-coat tanks in North America. Strategic Location: Their Quincy, Illinois, headquarters is described as the ”middle of everywhere” , providing a central location that is advantageous for servicing customers coast to coast. #UtilityExpo #UtilityFleet #WorkTrucks #TruckBodies #Upfitting #MadeInUSA #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #OEM #FleetManagement

Get under the hood with Kurt Moreland, Associate Publisher of Utility Fleet Professional, in this special episode recorded at Old World Industries’ Peak Racing Event at Joliet Speedway. Kurt sits down with NHRA Funny Car driver “Fast” Jack Beckman and automotive media personality Alex Taylor, co-host of Hot Rod Garage, for in-depth conversations on the extreme maintenance demands of 12,000-horsepower dragsters, shop management tips, and the culture of high-performance racing. Listen as Jack breaks down the 36-minute rebuild cycle between runs—including $900 tires and 16 spark plugs swapped every race—while Alex shares her drag racing journey from age 16, her favorite nostalgic builds, summer fleet maintenance tips, and her work on the Peak 63 Bel Air Wagon. A must-hear for fleet managers, shop techs, and racing fans alike! ✅ Key Takeaways Drag Racing Maintenance: Jack Beckman explains the full tear-down and rebuild process after every run, highlighting costs, time, and meticulous teamwork. Fleet Summer Prep Tips: Alex Taylor shares practical advice for shop and fleet managers, including coolant checks and washer fluid recommendations for bug-heavy routes. Behind the Scenes at Peak Racing: Insight into Old World Industries’ Peak products, event sponsorship, and the unique experience of standing behind 12,000-HP machines as they launch. Alex Taylor’s Career & Builds: From racing at 16 to building the Peak 63 Bel Air Wagon on Hot Rod Garage, Alex describes the creative process, favorite nostalgic cars, and her busy shop life. #FleetMaintenance #DragRacing #UtilityFleet #ShopTalk #UFP

In this special edition of Under the UFP Hood, host Kurt Moreland, Associate Publisher of Utility Fleet Professional, sits down with Ashley Matyas of Royal Truck & Equipment on the floor of ATSSA 2025. Together, they discuss the critical role of attenuator trucks in protecting highway workers, Royal Truck’s decades-long commitment to innovation in road safety, and how strategic partnerships are shaping the future of traffic control. Ashley also highlights the company’s wide range of safety vehicles, their nationwide presence, and how shows like ATSSA drive product development. Recorded live from a light-duty truck basket, this episode offers a grounded and insightful look into the companies building America’s work zone safety. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Royal Truck & Equipment manufactures a wide array of highway safety vehicles, including attenuator trucks featuring the iconic yellow Scorpion. The company produces 300–400 attenuator trucks annually and is part of the larger Alamo Group, which allows for nationwide support and distribution. Partnerships, such as with Traffic Devices, help ensure compliance with increasing regulatory standards while offering flexibility like Metro attenuators for urban use. ATSSA remains a vital show for connecting with safety professionals, sharing ideas, and sparking innovation. Work zone safety is a shared responsibility, and Royal’s mission is to protect both equipment and lives on the road. Ashley encourages donations to the ATSSA Foundation, which honors fallen roadway workers. #HighwaySafety #WorkZoneProtection #UtilityFleet #AttenuatorTrucks #TrafficControl #FleetInnovation

In this special edition of Under the UFP Hood, Kurt Moreland of Utility Fleet Professional sits down with Brianne Somers, Show Director of The Utility Expo, live from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers headquarters in Milwaukee. Bree shares exclusive insights about the upcoming 2025 Utility Expo in Louisville, including what’s new, how the show has grown, and why it remains the top event for utility professionals. From 100-foot aerial lifts to the legendary digging zone, Bree talks about what makes this demo-focused show unlike any other. Tune in for practical tips, behind-the-scenes stories—including her surprise engagement at a past show—and why registering early is key for attendees. Visit them - https://www.theutilityexpo.com/ 📌 Key Takeaways: Utility Expo 2025 will be the biggest yet, featuring over 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space and hundreds of indoor and outdoor exhibitors. The Louisville venue is undergoing major renovations, with exciting new buildings expected for the 2027 show. Aerial lifts, digging competitions, and live demos set Utility Expo apart from traditional trade shows. Bree shared practical tips for attendees: register early, wear comfortable shoes, bring snacks, and stay hydrated. The show’s location and partnerships (with Louisville and the FAA) play a vital role in its ongoing success. ❓ 5 Questions & Answers: 1. What makes Utility Expo different from other trade shows? Utility Expo is a hands-on demo show featuring outdoor digging areas, aerial lifts, and interactive exhibits. Attendees can see and operate equipment in real-world conditions. 2. Where is Utility Expo held and why? It’s held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, chosen for its size, accessibility, and willingness to support ground-engaging exhibits—a rarity among venues. 3. How big is the 2025 Utility Expo expected to be? Over 1.5 million square feet of space and more exhibitors than ever before, surpassing even the 2023 show. 4. What are Brianne’s top tips for attendees? Register and book hotels early, bring multiple pairs of shoes, stay hydrated, bring snacks, and use the free shuttle service from downtown hotels. 5. What is Brianne’s most memorable Utility Expo story? In 2019, her now-husband proposed to her at the show during one of the hottest weeks on record—making it a personally unforgettable event. #UtilityExpo2025 #UtilitySafety #FleetProfessionals #LiveDemos #UtilityEquipment #TradeShowTips #AEM #UtilityExpo

Hydraulic hoses might not be the first thing you think about in utility fleet maintenance, but when they fail, the consequences can be severe. In this episode, we take a deep dive into an insightful article by Jim Olson and Craig Ries from Terex Utilities, uncovering the critical safety risks, common causes of hose failures, and practical maintenance tips that can prevent costly downtime. From hydraulic oil hazards to electrocution risks and emergency response steps, this episode is packed with essential knowledge for anyone working with bucket trucks, digger derricks, and other fleet vehicles. Don’t overlook these unsung heroes of the industry—your safety and productivity depend on them! Read the article here: https://utilityfleetprofessional.com/blog/extending-the-life-of-hydraulic-hoses/ Key Takeaways: Understanding the Risks: How hydraulic hose failures can lead to burns, leaks, fires, and even electrocution hazards. The Root Causes of Failures: Heat exposure, UV damage, improper installation, and wear and tear. Inspection Best Practices: Daily walkarounds, manufacturer-recommended checks, and safety tips for detecting leaks. Emergency Response: Steps to safely shut down oil flow and handle hydraulic failures in different situations. Future of Hydraulic Hose Maintenance: Innovations in materials, inspections, and training that could improve safety and reliability. #UtilityFleets #FleetMaintenance #HydraulicSafety #WorkplaceSafety #TerexUtilities #BucketTruckSafety #DiggerDerricks #PreventiveMaintenance