Dart Transit Names New Executive VP & COO

James Langley Photo: Dart Transit

Truckload carrier Dart Transit has announced that James Langley has been appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer.

In his new role, Langley is tasked with overseeing operations, pricing sales and recruiting for Dart Transit and maximizing the company's collaboration with Dart Advantage Logistics. He will also play an instrumental role in the Dart Network's overall strategy, according to Dart Transit.

Langley has more than 24 years of experience in the transportation field, working for companies such as J.B. Hunt, U.S. Xpress, UPS, and TMW Systems over the course of his career. He has 14 years of experience in logistics engineering and operations and over 12 years of executive management experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Transportation & Logistics, from the University of Arkansas.

“Mr. Langley is an industry leader, with the highest integrity, who has shown positive commitment to our organization,” said Donald G. Oren, Dart Chairman. “We are pleased to have an individual with his background in a leadership role.”

Related: Remote Diagnostics Add Up for Dart Transit

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Ford Relaunches Commercial Vehicle Dealer Program

Photo of Commercial Vehicle Center interior courtesy of Ford.

Ford is launching the Commercial Vehicle Center dealer program that will replace the Business Preferred Network (BPN) and offer improved service, better parts availability and a new loyalty program, Ford announced.

The program is rolling out at 650 of Ford's more than 3,000 dealers in the U.S. and replaces a program that was heavily used by smaller fleets to set up work trucks and vans.

Much like a BPN dealer, a Commercial Vehicle Center will offer sales, service, and financing support for commercial buyers.

"Nearly 30 years ago, Ford established its first program to improve the purchase experience for our commercial vehicle customers," said John Ruppert, Ford general manager, commercial vehicle sales and marketing. "Now we are introducing the next chapter in our commercial vehicle story, not only by rebranding the program, but by further expanding a number of program elements to improve the overall customer experience."

A Commercial Vehicle Center will offer a service counter that's open at least 55 hours per week and new stocking programs that will improve parts availability, according to Ford.

Ford is also offering a new Commercial Advantage Rewards loyalty program that allows customers to earn various factory benefits that can be redeemed at a Commercial Vehicle Center location. Dealers can offer their own rewards through the program.

The centers will support Ford's commercial vehicles, including Transit Connect compact vans, full-size Transit cargo vans, F-150 pickups, Super Duty chassis cabs, as well as F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks. Commercial Vehicle Center dealers will also offer the best selection of in-stock Ford commercial vehicles, and a range of financing options and incentives, according to Ford.

Related: Ford Offers Replacement Parts for Non-Ford Vehicles

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Yokohama Increases All Tire Prices

The Yokohama 104ZR urban/regional all-position/steer tire (photo courtesy of Yokohama Tires). 

Yokohama Tire Corporation announced that it will increase prices by up to 7% on all of its tires sold in the U.S., including commercial, off-the-road (OTR), and consumer. The increase will go into effect April 1.

“This pricing action is necessitated by the high cost of raw materials and freight expenses that have impacted us in 2016 and will continue to be a factor in the business,” said Rick Phillips, Yokohama Tire vice president of sales. “As always, Yokohama will continue to bring the best product to market at competitive prices.”

Phillips added that some in-line adjustments across commercial, OTR, and consumer lines will be determined within the month.

For more information on Yokohama's product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Related: Improve Fuel Efficiency by Maximizing Tire Life

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Yokohama announces up-to 7% price increase

Yokohama Increases All Tire Prices

The Yokohama 104ZR urban/regional all-position/steer tire (photo courtesy of Yokohama Tires). 

Yokohama Tire Corporation announced that it will increase prices by up to 7% on all of its tires sold in the U.S., including commercial, off-the-road (OTR), and consumer. The increase will go into effect April 1.

“This pricing action is necessitated by the high cost of raw materials and freight expenses that have impacted us in 2016 and will continue to be a factor in the business,” said Rick Phillips, Yokohama Tire vice president of sales. “As always, Yokohama will continue to bring the best product to market at competitive prices.”

Phillips added that some in-line adjustments across commercial, OTR, and consumer lines will be determined within the month.

For more information on Yokohama's product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Related: Improve Fuel Efficiency by Maximizing Tire Life

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Alberta truckers to get new training digs

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